Salvation Army Celebrates Christmas with 400 Children

Christmas came early for hundreds of children in Belize City today, thanks to the Salvation Army. It’s a tradition that’s been bringing joy for generations, and this year, the celebration carried a powerful message of hope. From laughter and gifts to the spirit of giving, the annual Christmas Party reminded everyone what the season is truly about. Shane Williams has more on a day that lit up young hearts.

 

Shane Williams, Reporting

Four hundred children packed into the Holy Redeemer Parish Hall this morning and for a few hours, it looked and felt exactly like Christmas. There were toys, treats, performances, and lunch, but most importantly, joy lit up the faces of hundreds of children. Salvation Army Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir says this party is the result of every coin dropped into the red kettles and every donation made to the organization throughout the year.

 

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir, District Officer, Salvation Army

“Not only they’re going to get gift, they’re gonna eat food, I mean ice cream. But one of the things that I really want them to understand is that they are valuable and not only they are valuable and God loves them. And I want them to know that we at the Salvation Army, the fact that we are putting our time I want to share with them love and respect. Them too can learn something so that they can make other people happy as well.”

 

The annual event is one of the most anticipated on the Salvation Army’s calendar, bringing together children from across Belize City for a warm meal, gifts, and entertainment. Beyond the celebration, this year’s theme carried a deeper message. Guest speaker, Dr. Sharmayne Saunders delivered a talk centered on hope and reminded the children that even in challenging times, they each hold the power to shape their own future.

 

Dr. Sharmayne Saunders, Guest Speaker

“The message is, hope marches on, and basically to encourage the children to be hope to others. Sharing the joy, share their joy, help others, and the world continues to revolve. We want the children to understand that just as one person helps you, you are there to help others as well in any little thing that you do. The program is scheduled to ensure that the children. A good, but at the same time to share the message of hope to children. Salvation Army has been around for very long and we wanna encourage people to support the work of Salvation Army because you see the crowd in the back, the amount of children we are helping. But we can help more if we get more from the public.”

 

As the children left with full bellies and brand-new toys, one thing was certain—Christmas giving is alive and well in Belize, thanks to a community that never stops sharing. The Salvation Army continues its kettle drive through the Christmas season. Organizers say every little bit helps bring hope and a little magic to children across the country.

 

Major Marc Eddy Momplaisir

“My message to all is that please when you are passing our kettle please drop something. Don’t say that it’s too small. Let me tell you, there’s no small, whatever you give will make a difference. So support the Salvation Army because actually we are receiving a lot of calls. We are receiving letters where other communities want us to come to share with the children, but we tell them we want to do that. But if what we have is not enough, we have to leave it for next year. But if you give, trust me, we’ll do more.”

 

Shane Williams for News Five.