Although the Salvation Army home receives support during the Christmas season from the society, this is not enough, since the needs of the shelter are constant all year round.
They require cleaning products, and foods such as eggs, cereals, and milk, among others.
During this season, your children do not usually feel worthy of asking for gifts, although they maintain the hope of receiving tricycles, bicycles, headphones, Paw Patrol cars, dolls, backpacks, or shoes.
Currently, children sing Christmas carols in different places as part of their collection.
Captain Hugo López indicated that the presentations have been in places such as Pensiones, Las Américas, and Gran Plaza, as well as in supermarkets in those areas, and will continue in the coming weeks, in order to raise funds.
A refuge of hope and support for children is what the Salvation Army shelter symbolizes, located on 103rd and 62nd streets in the Delio Moreno Cantón neighborhood and, for 50 years has provided support to minors in complicated or unfavorable situations.
Currently, the shelter shelters 15 children who are between four and 11 years old, who are excited to receive a toy this Christmas.
Captain Hugo López shared some of the situations that the children have faced: “Generally, it is abandonment by their parents, who leave them with their grandmother, a sister, or some other relative. So they come to us because these people can’t really serve them. “All children suffer abandonment.”
With the goal of providing them with a home, the shelter strives to meet all their needs. “Here they are treated well, they are given everything they need. There are three bathrooms and separate bedrooms for boys and girls, and everyone has their own bed and personal space. They also have a dining room where you can have breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner. We give them their lunch for school and, in addition, we offer them talks so that they do not feel guilty for what has happened to them,” he explained.
Among the various services offered by the Salvation Army shelter, a support program stands out that accompanies minors as long as necessary.
“The first admission is for primary school children, that is, between four and 10 years old. If they want to continue with the program, we usually make that happen. Some choose to continue during high school and are followed up. If a child or adolescent decides to rejoin their guardian or wants to take another path, they are free to do so. Those who wish to stay with us can continue here,” he said.
“There are many opportunities for them because we are an institution and a church. They even have the possibility of going to other countries if they want to join the Salvation Army. There are scholarships and programs such as the brass band, which allow them to travel to places like Texas, continue their studies, and see other places. This expands your panorama,” he commented.
“The 24th will be our last day of singing in the morning. In the afternoon, we gathered all the gifts and gave them to them. That same day, they can go out with their guardian and spend one or two weeks enjoying their toys and spending time with their family. This is important so as not to break the family bond,” said Captain Hugo.
“On December 31 and January 1, we will have a meeting at night, where those who wish can attend,” he explained. Finally, he sent a message to society: “We are very grateful to the people of Yucatán. Truly, they have supported us a lot. We thank you and we wish you to enjoy these holidays and have a Merry Christmas,” he expressed.
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