Tea 4 Toys is an Australian Children’s Charity founded by Rosalyn Manipis in 2009. The charity’s key purpose is to provide less advantaged children with brand-new toys. They achieve this by holding tea parties where everyone can enjoy a cup of tea and cakes in return for a toy donation.

The group started to partner with Gawad Kalinga in 2010 and they already did toy drop donations in GK Bagong Silang in Caloocan City, GK MJR in San Nicolas, Batangas, GK Baseco in Tondo, Manila and now in GK Sanrose in Barangay Kapitolyo, Pasig.

This year’s toy drop is led by Jonathan and Joan Estera together with their sons Isaac and Moses and their parents Tony & Cecil, Andy & Josie. Amidst the burst of rain in an early afternoon of December 2, 2014, the family braved the path to the chapel of GK Sanrose where all the children are patiently waiting. You can see different smiles in the faces of children who eagerly await the arrival of the group. There were around 70 children and some parent volunteers who prepared the snacks and are part of the GK team of Sanrose.

We also tied up the event with GK’s Parol ng Pag-asa campaign so the family also brought 70 parols that were distributed to every family in GK Sanrose.

The program started with a prayer led by their GK Head Pastor Joseph. He also welcomed all the guests and kids present.  Tito Sam, GK Sanrose Kapitbahayan leader also welcomed the guests and introduced Kuya Jose as one of the sharers from the community. Kuya Jose is an active member and leader of GK Sanrose. He recently suffered a stroke that brought his energetic self down. He almost lost hope of recovering from the attack but standing there and sharing the happiness of every child in the hall brought back memories of his once active life. He is very grateful for the opportunity to meet our guests and he declared to everyone that he will keep on standing and supporting the community regardless of his condition.

The kids also presented a dance number and delivered an English poem followed by the toy distribution and snacks of the children. Different colors of parols were distributed to the children followed by an explanation of the “Star of Bethlehem” as the guide of the three kings when they are looking for our savior Baby Jesus. The event ended up with a group photo with all their parols and the singing of Christmas carols.

To read more about how partners like Tea4Toys have shared hope to GK communities last Christmas, click HERE.