Belgaum: Chikodi

From Belgaum Photos 2010

Our third day of distributions took us to Chikodi, 72 km north-east of Belgaum.

We were warmly greeted by enthusiastic cheering from the already assembled children, parents, Rotary club members, and other local volunteers. We were presented with a garland of yellow flowers to drape around our neck. A bindi (red dot) was placed on our forehead and a blessing was bestowed on us. Six girls were standing on the stairsteps holding a sign with our individual names on it. We sure felt very welcome.

After the setup, the distribution process began in an orderly and efficient manner. This would not be possible without the crew of volunteer help organized by the Rotary club.

From Belgaum Photos 2010

Today my job was to hand out the bedkits to 350 special children from this area. I felt like Santa Claus when I presented each child with their very own heavy bag filled with 25 items. The bag was as tall as some of the youngest children. With a "Thank you" and a shy smile from some and a huge grin from others, they set off to find their parents waiting nearby. Of course one of the volunteers was needed to carry the bedkit. I'm sure the children and parents will be excited and happy today when they get home and unpack their new things.

Thanks to all our donors 350 children in the Chikodi area will have sweet dreams tonight.

Anne Andrew
for Team Belgaum 2010

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