A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL

A KENTUCKY FRIED CHRISTMAS PARTY

"Extra Chrispy" George Hamilton

This year each child in Saint Benedict Home for Children (an orphanage) received $25.00 USD. Out of that, each child will make a donation to the parish Christmas collection where they go to church. (I like to add a teaching element to everything we do down there.) We want to teach them to be givers, not just takers. Out of what's left, they went shopping for their own Christmas present in Kingstown and bought lunch at the Kentucky Fried Chicken and took it home for safety concerns. Sister taught them something about Kentucky and where their gifts came from in the USA. (I have provided a world map, a United States map and a Kentucky map along with some pictures of famous Kentuckians and places.) (Again, I like to add a teaching element to everything we do down there.) If they had any change left over, it went into their personal savings accounts that we set up for each child. I believe that the knowledge each child will have that they actually have a little growing "nest egg" will have a profound affect on their self-esteem and morale.

The savings accounts are a new idea, but a very important one. In the past, when and if it was time to leave the Home they had nothing to begin a new life outside.  We will continue to put small amounts into their savings accounts as we go along.

BELOW ARE SOME VIDEOS AND PHOTOS OF THEIR SPECIAL DAY

Can you hear "My Old Kentucky Home" on the steel drum?

The excited kids all saying "thank you!" Notice

the photo of "Father Ronald" high up on the wall surrounded by garlands.

Waiting for their bus ride to town to shop for their Christmas

presents, they are waving their money around. For most, it might 

be their first time to have their own money. 

More excitement and anticipation 

Nothing like a Kentucky Fried Chicken box after a hard

day of shopping. Sister Nyra Anne said they were "starving" by the time they

got home from their shopping trip to town. 

KFC boxes and kids as far as the eye can see! 

(I may have to give Sister Nyra Anne photography lessons!)

Even the young one's love KFC

Even the staff can't wait to dig in! 

Even those who need help eating, enjoyed their KFC box. Many in the orphanage 

are severely handicapped. 

Below are some of the reports from the kids themselves about their shopping trip. 

Dear Fr. Ron

Please find quotes of the children thanking you and other donors for your Christmas blessings.

“I bought a kitchen set, a doctor set, a toy phone, and a water toy with rubber bands inside” – Kelsie Cato

“I bought a water balloon, three slimes, a doctor set, a new play toy phone, and a hand sanitizer and I want to thank Father Ronald for the money” – Kashaniah Patterson

“With my money, I bought a magic wand, five slimes, a beauty set and a dolly and I would thank Ronald Knott for the money because he is a donor and I’m happy for that” – Skye Roberts

“I thank Father Ron and other donors for giving us the money to buy gifts and KFC. I bought a glass, a birthday glasses and a birthday ribbon” – Reecia Sutherland (Her birthday was the day after shopping day).

“I bought a toy car and water balloon” – Edmond Medford

“I thank Father Ron for the money and gift. I got a new car, working things, phone and pictures” – Daniel Alexander

“I thank you for going to town and for the gifts” – LeeTanya Davis

“I thank Father Ron and I enjoy myself a lot in town” – Aneisha Sutherland

“I am thankful for the Christmas tree, light, and camera” – Zimran Gage


Thank you. God bless you. Yours truly,

Sr Nyra Anne Pajotte O. Carm. 

PHOTOS FROM SOME OF THE ISLAND PARISHES

Kimberley (above) and Catherine (below), two of my most dependable helpers, help unbox, sort and prepare the "goody bags" and snacks for the children of Saint Vincent and the Grenadine. 

A few of the 300 "goody bags" we made available to the kids on Saint Vincent and the four outer island parishes. 

Some of the appreciative children of Corpus Christi Parish

Another thankful child with her Dollar Tree elf doll and candy. 

A proud father and son.

A happy young girl.

Did you notice the young child in the bucket on the right? Is it a bath or a

swimming pool? Cute! 

More grateful children with their snacks and "goody bags" in hand. 

KIDS' CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE LOAVES AND FISHES SOUP KITCHEN SHELTER

Our "goody bags" filled and ready to be given out.  

Snack plates ready to be served.

A whole lot of happy kids.

BE SURE TO WATCH THIS

JOY TO THE WORLD by Father Peter and the kids of our Lady of Lourdes Church

when they got their "goody bags" and Christmas snacks. 

CATHEDRAL OF THE ASSUMPTION PARISH

A committee member helps prepare some of the "goody bags." 

A few of the "dressed for a party" kids with their "goody bag" gifts at the Cathedral.  

THE ISLAND OF MAYREAU

Open the box!

Come and get yours! 

Everyone got theirs? 

Looks like a lot of happy kids!

THE ISLAND OF UNION

Father Boniface calls them up one at a time.

One happy young boy!

Two excited young girls!

Everyone got theirs? 

SAINT THERESA IN GOMEA

NOT ALL THE PHOTOS FROM ALL THE PARISHES HAVE MADE IT IN TIME FOR PUBLICATION, BUT EVERYONE SEEMED TO HAVE HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE. 

Thank you, donors! 

You made a lot of kids happy this Christmas!