Embassy Community Shares Holiday Joy Through Donations to Community

U.S. Embassy, Addis Ababa -- This holiday season, employees and families at the U.S. Embassy in Ethiopia collected and donated 54 boxes of gifts, toys, and hygiene items to children in need.   The Embassy’s Community Liaison Office led the drive to collect gifts, and the U.S. Marines’ annual “Toys for Tots” charity tradition bolstered the effort.  On January 2, 2009, U.S. Ambassador Donald Yamamoto led a group of community members to deliver gifts at four locations around Addis Ababa: Daughter of Charity; Kechene Orphanage; Mission of Charity Rehabilitation Center; and Godanaw Rehabilitation Integration Project.

While the donation aimed to ease the burden of needy people in the community, the givers also benefited from sharing.  One of the U.S. Marines working at the Embassy, Corporal Michael Lohman, said, “Even if they don’t need the toys, it kind of boosts (the kids’) morale -- it made them happy inside. They were excited, they were really really happy that we went there.  Just to see the reaction made me happy too. I will definitely do it again.  I had a great time.”

“We tried to raise the morale of the holidays for people who are less fortunate and let them know that people out there recognize them and try to help them out.  We do care.  Just seeing the kids’ faces -- giant smiles when we brought them the things -- was nice.  A lot of them had life-threatening problems or knew their situation was poor, but even during the holidays they can keep that morale and smile on their face.  That was impressive. They did not let their situation get them down,” said Marine Corporal David Morigeau.  He added, “We visit orphanages once a month, but going out with donations – this happens on holidays. We will try to get more people involved and more items.  …We will make it more known and do it more often, not only on holidays.”

The Embassy’s Community Liaison Office (CLO) regularly visits and supports local charities, and has made a tradition of delivering gifts on holidays. This year’s winter holiday donation was sizeable, thanks to donations from Embassy employees and families, and also the cooperation of colleagues at the U.S. Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) Religious Affairs Team in Djibouti.  In late December, CJTF-HOA supported the CLO effort by flying in approximately 50 boxes of donated supplies and sundry items from the United States and other countries.   

U.S. Embassies around the world hold a “Toys for Tots” donation program every year during the winter holiday.  The program aims to provide toys, necessities, and a message of hope for needy children in local communities. 

Our Community Liaison Officers explained why the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa participates in the program: “We have a lot to share, and we try to meet needs and bring joy.  We like to see the kids smile and to connect with the local community.”