Lines of vehicles started bright and filling Saturday morning to deliver Christmas gifts to less fortunate families. Angel Benedict, executive director of 630 CHED Saints Anonymous, said the need has increased 50 percent compared to last year, with 20,000 children requesting gifts.
“Last year we had around 6,300 families and this year we are close to 9,000 families. It’s a huge growth for us.”
“That means there are more toys, more books, more teddy bears — there’s also a lot more work,” Benedict said.
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This also means a higher demand for delivery truck drivers. Usually the bag limit is limited to eight, and this year if people are willing to take more, they can.
“I think the record (Saturday) is over 20 bags,” Benedict said.
Darryl Nipshank was part of the first wave of drivers. The 45-year-old recalls receiving gifts when he was a child and wanted to give back.
“It’s going to be emotional because I was that kid.”
Nipshank said that this would often be the only gift he would receive for Christmas.
“I know my mother, at that time, she was not able to provide. I understood as much as a little girl can understand, and while you say it meant something to her.
“As a youth I was part of this program and receiving a gift at that time – during that difficult time – really inspired me to give back,” Nipshank said.
He hopes to continue to inspire generations to come.
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