As the holiday season approaches, Santa Clause is once again the busiest
person in the world. But this time, he chose a new place and brought
hundreds of children joyful experiences in the mountainside Xianglutai ES.
Volunteers from Houston-based Overseas China Education Foundation (OCEF),
Yunban Zhuo and Kai Guo, delivered a set of winter warmers including a hat,
a pair of gloves, and a scarf for every student in that school. For many,
this was their first ever Christmas gift, let alone a Western touch with
Santa Clause not in the faraway fairyland. A girl expressed her sincere
gratitude for the help and encouragement for continuing study from the US.
Mr. Zhuo was passionate for the idea and it was his first time dressup as a
Santa. He said he was overwhelmed by rejoice of the kids, especially when
he was in “the seas of the same kinds of smiles”.
Winters can get awfully cold in the mountainous regions in Guangling
Township, Shanxi, where Xianglutai ES is located. Snowfalls hid the muddy
roads and torn-down roofs underneath a layer of white coating in Xianglutai
ES. Guangling Township ranks well below the national poverty line and many
students receive financial support from OCEF to help them stay in school.
Although facing financial hardship, the kids were happier today, knowing
their future would be brighter with special greeting from Santa and the
endless love and supports from the US.
Kids in another sponsored school in Gansu Province celebrated their new
library donated by OCEF picnic held in Pecan Park, Fort Bend County this
October. Students loved reading but they did not have money to buy any
book. With the special Christmas gift, OCEF opened a road to their outer
world, and brought in warmer sunlight in the harsh snowy winter.
According to its website, OCEF has donated more than $2.2 million to 41,000
poor students and teachers. In addition to scholarship, sponsorship and
training sessions, OCEF has built more than 500 libraries, donated over 370,
000 books, renovated dozens of dilapidated schools, and participated in many
other special projects. In 2009, OCEF claimed national champion in America
’s Giving Challenge, among all 7,875 organizations. Later the same year,
OCEF was the only Houston-area recipient in receiving the first round Chase
Community Giving grant. OCEF received special recognitions from US Congress
and Texas Congress for its continuous dedication in helping bridging US-Sino
cultures in its recent 20th Anniversary Ceremony. For more detail, please
follow OCEF on www.facebook.com/ocef.org or visit its website at www.OCEF.
org/donation.
