By JKNewsMedia Reporter
SOUND OF children’s laughter cut through the afternoon air as this reporter stepped into the compound of Hope Rising Homes Foundation (HRHF) situated in Ikola, Ipaja.
Balloons swayed gently, music played in the background, and volunteers moved briskly between tables stacked with food packs and gifts.
It was clear from the first few minutes that this was no routine charity visit, it was a full Christmas celebration.
The HRHF 2025 Christmas Party and Community Food Giveaway unfolded in carefully paced moments.
First came the children. Dressed in colourful outfits, some clustered around mostly their caregivers, excitement written plainly on their faces.
Games followed, then singing, then dancing.
Each activity drew louder cheers.
When gift distribution began, the children sat patiently, eyes fixed on the volunteers calling out names. One-by-one, wrapped presents changed hands, and smiles widened across the courtyard.
By mid-afternoon, the focus shifted to the wider community.
Widows arrived quietly, many holding their identification slips, greeted warmly by foundation staff.
In all, 44 widows received six yards of Ankara fabric each, with one carton of Indomie noodles, 2kg of rice and N5,000 in cash.
Spontaneously, some paused to say prayers loudly for all to hear, blessing the HRHF and the party’s organisers. Others simply nodded, clutching the items tightly, visibly moved.
Food distribution followed in steady succession.
Later, party volunteers served 250 plates of jollof rice, handing them out alongside 250 sachets of pure water to all attendees.
Nearby, stacks of relief items were moved methodically, there was no rush, no disorder. Everything moved with quiet coordination.
According to the Founder, HRHF, Dr Titilayo Abaniwonda-Lawal, the outreach was part of the foundation’s annual commitment to its host community.
She noted that HRHF remains focused on meeting both physical and emotional needs of those connected to it, especially during the Christmas and end of the year season.
Before long, the sun dipped lower and the atmosphere softened as the party began to wound down.
However, side gists and conversations lingered.
Trust children to compare gifts with innocence.
Also, volunteers exchanged relieved smiles as a closing prayer echoed across the compound, invoking the priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24–26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you.”
By the time people began to leave, a shared sense that something meaningful had taken place was visible.
However, little children still linger, laughing near the gate as the widows walked back to their hostels with fuller arms.
Still, the volunteers stayed behind to pack up long after the one-day Christmas party came alive, not in words, but in practical action.
