Our Neighbor’s Child: 25 years of gift giving

Christmas is always the season to be jolly. Everybody else is expected to take part in the merriment and the fanfare, most especially the children of the nation. However, there are some who simply cannot do the same.

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Year in and year out, there’s always a heartbreaking picture of less-fortunate children who stare in envy as other kids receive their annual gifts. Christmas is not a time of joy for them, but rather a time of sadness.

Our Neighbors Child (ONC) has recognized this ill and they have taken action. ONC is a non-profit organization whose focus is on making things better for the community, particularly by giving gifts to children from low-income families during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons.

It started as a humble, selfless effort from a small group of friends who decided to give gifts to such children. Grabbing significant attention, the group grew gradually, and so did the practice. Today, they are one of the most significant humanitarian organizations in Virginia, with a membership of 400 community volunteers.

Now 25 years running, the organization currently enjoys the support of many other strong forces in the community. These include schools, churches, religious groups, and significant individuals from the private sector.

ONC is beset with the natural challenges that come with such an altruistic endeavor, but the painful reality that suggests that things will never come easy is dispelled by the hope of something beautiful to look forward to, which is the cheer in the eyes of a child receiving a gift.

Image source: squarespace.com

To give back to the community, Robert Bassam partnered with a local TV station to reward the individuals who work hard in behalf of non-profit organizations. Through this project, he has helped foundations focusing on mothers, children with special needs, and families. To find out more about his charitable endeavors, visit this website.