On an average about 45 children attended the Shelter everyday. A total of 120 different children were attended to this month. Basic necessities and medical attention were also provided. Treatment at hospitals was also given when necessary. This month we had no Night Shelter children staying with us. Fieldwork has been carried out and the response has been good.

Ramdas has taken over the duties of Shelter In-Charge from Karuna. Lawrence has joined us as a trainee and is gaining experience in fieldwork. Yvonne, Karuna and Salim are the other staff at the Shelter. Mrs. Beena Thomas has spent time with the children. She comes in the afternoon and assists the children with their studies. Dadima has been a great help this month of December. Visitors have also lended us a helping hand whenever they have been here. On the medical front we had a very good month. Only one serious case of malaria was diagnosed and treated. The other cases were of minor cuts and bruises.

The children were looking forward to Christmas with great anticipation and the holidays did not let them down. Right from the start of December there was great excitement. Sharon and Rachel spent a lot of time with the children making a lot of Christmas stuff like stars, decorations, Santa cards, snowmen etc. They even bought all the material needed for the same. Sharon visited regularly till she left for the UK on the 26th and she is greatly missed by all here. They truly ushered in the Christmas season for us. A charity called ‘Help a Poor Child’ organised a wonderful X’mas party for children. 80 children attended and had a great time of games, music and delicious food. The high point of the party was when Santa walked in and each child a gift. It was an unforgettable moment for the children. The annual El Shaddai children’s Christmas party was held on the 20th and our children and staff attended. They had a great time and were very pleasantly surprised to see Sharon at the party too. They loved the entertainment and enjoyed the snacks, food and ice-cream. Staff and children wished each other the very best for the holiday season. The Christmas holidays were declared from the 21st and many children spent the following days making cards and also decorating the Shelter. Lunches were donated by a member of St. Vincent de Paul Society on the occasion of his son’s wedding anniversary. Dadima also sponsored lunch to celebrate the birthday of her son Drupad. On another day her niece too sponsored a tasty lunch for all at Asha Deep. Mr. Ben Lambert donated generously towards an item in the needs list.

December has been a long month of celebrations, parties and lunches. As the year draws to a close, we thank God for His many blessings this year. We also pray that in the coming year we can reach out and touch many more children in need or at risk. We truly hope Asha Deep becomes what its name says it is….a lamp of hope.

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