THE STREET KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY

We are deeply grateful,beyond words for the kindness that turned a simple Christmas idea into a powerful story of love in action. This year’s Street Kids’ Christmas Party was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Sohechen family, together with their wonderful children. With sincere and thankful hearts, we honor them for the sacrifice, compassion, and commitment that ensured street-connected children experienced a Christmas filled with dignity, joy, and hope. In recognition of their selfless giving, we titled this year’s celebration “The Sohechen Christmas Kindness.”

Thank you for giving so freely and for going far beyond expectations to make this day unforgettable. Thank you for not growing weary when additional needs arose during preparation, and for continuing to give more so that nothing would fall short. The joy on the children’s faces was overwhelming, so full and contagious it felt capable of filling an entire room.

This year’s Street Kids’ Christmas Party was made possible through the extraordinary generosity of the Sohechen family, together with their wonderful children. In recognition of their selfless giving, we titled this celebration “The Sohechen Christmas Kindness.”

A Morning That Began Before Sunrise

On the day of the party, our team began early very early. Because it had rained throughout the night, many children sought shelter on street corners and in slum areas across the city. We started picking children up at 4:00 a.m., and by 5:00 a.m., we had already gathered 96 children.

Children continued arriving steadily throughout the morning, and by 9:00 a.m., we were forced to close the venue gates after exceeding the number permitted by the venue owner. Still, children continued to arrive even after closure testament to how deeply needed and anticipated this gathering was.

A Day of Abundance

Breakfast and tea were served multiple times throughout the morning, something incredibly special and not usually part of our programs. From that moment on, it was clear this would be a true Christmas extravagance, abundant not only in food, but in love. The children felt seen, valued, and reminded that Christ was present with them. Your family’s donation covered all three meals, breakfast, a mid, morning meal, and lunch.

So much food was prepared that every child was fully served, and we were still able to add gifts despite the number of children far exceeding our original plans. Many children even went home with takeaway food for the night. In total, we served 167 children, and because of your generosity, not a single child was turned away. Every child was welcomed, nourished, and treated with dignity.

Several important activities took place throughout the day. Showering was a key requirement for every boy, ensuring each child was clean, comfortable, and cared for. Medical care was provided, with six boys requiring urgent attention and being rushed to the hospital mostly due to coughs and flu. One boy showed signs of abuse and required additional documentation and police letters to receive proper care.

We were also joined by four girls. Two were accommodated at the shelter and will be resettled, as they are from nearby Kampala areas. The other two were taken to the police station, as current state policies do not allow us to shelter refugee children.

Care for Body, Heart, and Spirit

Showering ensured every child was clean and comfortable. Medical care was provided for six boys requiring urgent attention. One case required further documentation and police support due to signs of abuse.

Four girls also joined the program. Two were accommodated and prepared for resettlement, while two were referred to the police due to shelter policy restrictions.

Worship Led by the Children

Praise and worship lasted for over an hour and was led by the street boys themselves. Many of the transitioning boys are passionate about music, and this became a powerful moment of prayer, worship, and leadership before God. Due to continuous rainfall, football activities were not possible, so board games were organized instead bringing laughter, connection, and joy.

Lunch Served with Dignity

Lunch was served at around 2:00 p.m., after all children had showered and settled. Ten tables were prepared, each seating ten children, while the remaining children were seated separately. Special arrangements were made for children who do not eat meat, ensuring inclusivity and care for all.

To maintain order and dignity, children did not line up to collect food. Instead, twelve transforming street children were selected to serve others two plates at a time allowing one table to be fully served before moving to the next. This approach ensured calm, fairness, and respect for every child.

Each child received a full, generously served plate including:

Meat and chicken, Cowpeas, beans, and groundnuts,Matooke, rice, spaghetti, and chapatti, Yams, cassava, sweet potatoes, and Irish potatoes, Pumpkin, cabbage, eggplant sauce, Watermelon and yellow bananas

No one went hungry. Every meal reflected abundance, care, and dignity. Gratitude That Will Last Beyond Christmas From food and gifts to transportation and all logistical arrangements, your sacrifice made it possible for these children to experience a full and joyful Christmas day. The Sohechen Christmas Kindness showed what happens when a family chooses to give together, lives are touched, dignity is restored, and hope is shared.

We are deeply grateful to the Sohechen family for making this day possible and for inspiring us all through compassion, generosity, and love.