Give a child a smile — and a meal — for Christmas

Christmas will soon be here, and Destin-based Mission Love Seeds will once again provide Christmas meals — and smiles —  for as many children in the Philippines as they can.

Most had never even seen a Christmas tree until last year — when Destin residents adopted 298 families through MLS.

They hope to increase that number this year through its Adopt-A-Family program.

Families will be surprised with a dinner, including hot dogs which the children love and seldom get, a whole baked chicken, sliced ham,  rice, vegetables, fruits and desserts — a real feast fit for a king for these children who often only have one meal a day. They also receive a small pre-decorated Christmas tree and each child gets a small toy, such as a doll or a truck.

“Since most families in the Philippines make less than $1 a day, there is no way they can have a Christmas without help,” Barbi Carroll, president of Mission Love Seeds told The Log.

“Just imagine the look on a little face when a feast and a beautifully decorated tree are delivered to their home on Christmas Eve.”

The cost to adopt a family is $25. Adopt one — or as many as you can — and help put a smile on the faces of children like 4-year-olds Hazel-Ann Arroyo and Elrenge Ramirez, who live in the village of Binayuyo.

If you feel you cannot adopt a family at this time, and would still like to help, call about donating a toy or making a cash donation.

For more information or to adopt a family, contact Carroll at (850) 865-1055, (850) 650-5583 or e-mail missionloveseeds@cox.net

Or, send checks or money orders to Mission Love Seeds, Inc., P.O. Box 1717, Destin FL 32540. Please write Adopt-A-Family Philippines on the check.

Mission Love Seeds is a recognized 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

“A gift of food and a small pre-decorated tree would be a blessing to a child and his/her family,” Carroll said.

Every child should be able to smile at Christmas.