A church hall in the poorest barrio of Colonia San Rafael was bursting with joy during the 2025 Children’s Christmas Party, hosted by Women Helping Women. Around 150 children from the church’s congregation, as well as from the surrounding community, were treated to a quality reusable Christmas Gift Bag filled with toys, blankets, clothing, toiletries, and candies. While last year’s celebration included gifting teenagers, this year the focus was on babies through 12 years.
With holiday magic in action, Andrew Dougherty of SR ANGUS rolled in with his crew, tables and chairs, grills, and top-quality Angus beef. Dougherty himself fired up the grills, cooking mouthwatering carne asada while his staff prepared fresh quesadillas and tacos for over 200 hungry souls – all thanks to the generosity of SR ANGUS! Providing a hot meal – especially beef – is significant as it is a special treat for children and parents who normally cannot afford such a luxury. Women Helping Women is extremely grateful to: John McBride of Max’s Restaurant for hosting and donating to our Toy Drive, which generated donations of toys and money; to Alejandro Portugal of Portugal Insurance plus Rick and Jill Francine for the donation of toys; to Veronica Payan and family; and Señora Santa Dawn Heilbrun, her husband Dan, daughter Ashlie and husband Cody for their donations and participation; and to the compassionate volunteers who stuffed and transported gift bags, and assisted at the party. Celebrations like this wouldn’t be possible without everyone who donated to and supported this event – thank YOU!
Most of these children come from homes with single moms, broken families, or struggling families with economic hardships. The children often go hungry, lack safe drinking water and basic health care, live in substandard housing, and face neglect. Most do not attend school. Women Helping Women is dedicated to creating a memorable moment for these vulnerable children. For one joyful day, they are surrounded with kindness, laughter, music, and a fun activity – boosting their feeling of value and self-worth. From thoughtful gift bags to a hot, hearty meal, these kids can feel special!
Women Helping Women’s calendar includes four children’s parties – Valentine’s, Easter, Children’s Day, Christmas – of which Christmas is the largest attended. Our annual fundraiser breakfast, plus two or more other smaller fundraising events held throughout the year, are essential to Women Helping Women supporting women, primarily single moms, and some families in tough situations. Our organization cannot afford to fully fund these parties, so your generosity of monetary gifts, item donations, and volunteer efforts are so welcome – and important so we can host these events that bring hope and happiness to young hearts. Keeping our mission alive means spreading joy, seeing kids’ smiles, and receiving their sweet hugs of gratitude – moments that are deeply heartwarming. God loves everyone, and “children are the light of the world”.
Nancy Britos, Director
Facebook: “Women Helping Women”.
