This holiday season I find myself daunted by how to help children in need. Looking at my End of Year Review, there is so much that we need to do to meet the needs of children across the globe and here at home. However, regardless of my beliefs, I am faithful that if we each pick one battle to fight, we can bring sustainable change to the lives of children today. Therefore, I put together a list of my wishes for children this holiday season. (While I no longer believe in Santa) I think there is a little Santa spirit in all of us, and I hope you will all find a cause to support this holiday season.
Dear Santa,
I write to you this year to ask for gifts for all the children around the world. I would like:
An end to war and violence in their homelands,
Homes and not tents,
Freedom from slavery and child labor,
Clean Water,
Adequate nutrition,
An end to the HIV/AIDS epidemic,
Accessible healthcare,
An end to child mortality from preventable diseases,
A stop to the use of child soldiers,
An escape from hunger,
Vaccinations for preventable diseases,
A home where they are surrounded by people who genuinely love and care for them,
The right to play and enjoy the youth for which they are blessed,
Education,
Gender Equality,
An end to child marriage,
That girls will no longer endure Female Genital Mutilation (FGM),
An end to the use of rape as a weapon of war,
Freedom from physical and sexual abuse, and
Most of all I ask that you bring the children love and hope!
I know the list is long and daunting, but if you can bring the children just a one or two things on the list this year millions of children will have a happier 2012, and millions more will get a chance to live. The request is really that you bring children their childhood, and give them hope for the future.
Merry Christmas,
Cassandra
