Letter to Santa 2009
This is now the sixth year for Mums and Tots of Warsaw members, friends, colleagues and neighbours to participate in this wonderful action which takes place between December and the beginning of January. Every year since 2005 this has been a great success, making lots of children happy. Children from the orphanage in the village of Pacanow (3,5 hours drive out of Warsaw, 70 km. south of Kielce) not only believe but are sure that Santa loves them and every year makes their dreams come true. Another group is the children from poor families who hope that perhaps this Christmas Santa will remember about them as well. They all write their letters on hand made cards and open their hearts telling stories of their lives and ask for some presents, nearly always adding “Dear Santa, only if you can. I understand you have too many children who write to you.”
Photos from 2008 you can see following this link: http://flickr.com/gp/eastern_traveller/b2FSn6
When you open the site there is a button enabling you to watch as a slide show. More detailed information about things we have done for Pacanow can be seen on M&T’s site http://mumsandtots.com charity section.
This year we will have about 90 children (35-40 related to orphanage, 45-50 from the poorest families) to buy new presents. Unfortunately we cannot give new presents for all the children in need, so I started to put together your donations into packages for about 10+ poor families, particularly the ones with very young children and babies. Please can you help by taking a letter and being Santa for a needy child?
THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE BEST THINGS YOU CAN DO THIS CHRISTMAS! To enable you to do this:
1. You will have a child’s letter.
2. All available information about the child and sizes.
3. I will email you a photo if I have one.
4. Minimum PLN 150 – maximum PLN 300 per child.
5. Children ask for different things but the main principle for every Santa would be to buy:
- something for education
- something for pleasure and fun
- something practical (shoes prevail over clothes)
- something special
- sweets
6. Presents need to be tagged with a child’s name and delivered strictly by the 13th of January to one of the locations to be advised (Mokotow, Ochota, Wygledow, possibly Sadyba/Zawady). 7. We are travelling to Pacanow on the 16th January. I estimate we need up to 6 cars (presently 3 reserved). Please join us for the trip to see the children and help us to deliver the presents. You are welcome to travel with your children. It will be a wonderful experience you will never forget. 8. If anyone would like to participate but cannot do the actual shopping for some serious reason, there is an option to give money. I with the help of a few friends will do your Santa shopping for your child in January to get the best value for money in the sales with a note to you on things bought. However, please note we cannot perform this task for a large group, maximum 10.
9. Letters should be in Warsaw by the end of November, I will start to distribute in December. 10. Good condition used or new unwanted things I need as early as possible to have enough time to sort out and pack for the right poor family.
If you wish to become Santa, please let me know: 1. Your full contact details, which groups you attend or at which school and class I can leave a letter for you. 2. If you can take more than one child.
3. If you are not a polish h speaker, I will translate the letters
4. If you can join for the trip on the 16th January
I hope to see lots of repeat Santas and meet many new. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. THANK YOU Alia Radford
Alia.radford@neostrada.pl
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