Children's holiday wishes come true
An Armenian couple delivered yesterday to some 11 children and their families $3,900 worth of toys as post-holiday gifts that came as a result of a successful New Year’s party and fundraising event held at the Diamond Hotel.
During a brief presentation at the Children’s Developmental Assistance Center in Garapan yesterday, parents and children with disabilities gasped in delight upon receiving the donations that were based on wish lists that the kids themselves enumerated.
Children aged nine months to three years received presents like cribs, car seats, high chairs, strollers, baby clothes, beds, diapers, drawers, bicycles, bags, baby food, milk, and toys, among others.
“We always want to help children especially those who are helpless. This is happiness for us when we see other people happy,” said the Saipan-based couple.
Top of the line toys and children’s goods purchased from Guam were handed out to the recipients with teeming support from merchandise stores and nonprofit organizations such as the Ayuda Network Inc. and the Interagency Coordinating Council.
“This is the first time that we have done something like this on the island and it has been very successful. I am not making any promises but if I had the strength again, I would do it again. The support was overwhelming. I have no reason not to do it again, hopefully,” said Mrs. Balian.
Ayuda Network President and ICC Chair Thomas J. Camacho commended Mr. and Mrs. Balian for their fundraising efforts for the benefit of individuals with disabilities.
“I think these are people making a difference in our society and making an impact on other families. I believe that people individually through their own personal efforts can truly make a difference and this is where Linda and Victor come in. . .because of their drive to help low income families who have children with developmental disabilities or in the stage of developing some sort of disability. We are all grateful,” said Mr. Camacho, who is also executive director of the Governor’s Developmental Disabilities Council. (Marian A. Maraya)
