Traditionally, Christmas is the one day in the year when family members gather together to be with each other and celebrate the holidays. While family activities are very lively inside, outside on the street, in the malls, restaurants, and other establishments are very quiet..

In many corners of the world, people are faced with many difficulties, such as not having anything to eat. Every day, many parents around the world are trying to find more nutritious meals for their children. According to the latest data from the WFP/United Nations World Food Program, there are still 815 million people (one-ninth of the world’s population) who are hungry and who go to sleep without food every night. The malnourished population is more than one third of the world's total population. This shows that there is a massive gap between the rich and the poor and eradicating hunger and malnutrition is a major challenge in our time. The consequences of inadequate food or improper diet are not only related to health problems, but also has negative effects on education and employment.

On December 12, 2018, WHAO/World Human Accountability and LGW/Legion of Good Will jointly hosted the "Giving Back for Christmas" event. After more than a month of fundraising and planning, the two organizations distributed 250 Christmas baskets in in Newark, New Jersey area, which included nutrition-balanced food and blankets for overcoming the winter.

The beneficiaries were children living in the homeless shelter of Newark, and the neglected children in Newark Public Schools, and low-income families. The campaign came as a result after analysis by the two organizations on the number of people in need in the area during the holiday season.

In 2015, the United Nations launched 17 global Sustainable Development Goals aimed at improving the lives of the people of the world by 2030. Sustainable Development Goal #2 – Zero Hunger – is a commitment to eradicating hunger, achieving food security, improving nutrition and promoting sustainable agriculture, which is a priority for the UN World Food Programme and one of the major mission of most non-profit organizations.

On the day of the event, more than ten staff members and volunteers worked together, counted all the donated foods, packaged, and distributed them under eight hours of work. Every Christmas baskets showcased the caring and generosity of the donors, staff, and volunteers. The moment these food baskets and blankets reached the hands of the recipients a sudden burst of excitement and happiness filed the room. The children were happy with bright smile and ready to dance. Though these gift baskets are a temporary solution to a bigger problem, they contribute to a better holiday season for these families.

[Behind the scenes]:

Volunteers of WHAO, Xiao & Carolina

Social Media Assistant of WHAO, Hudjy Dolce

Project Manager and Designer of WHAO, Qihan Dong

WHAO & LGW

Perhaps humans cannot truly eradicate poverty in the foreseeable future, eliminating poverty and reducing hunger is a long-term goal, but all our current efforts at least make poverty more bearable.

If we want to see a world without hunger by 2030, governments, citizens, civil society and the private sector must work together to invest, innovate and develop lasting solutions.

We would love to invite more people to join us. You can participate as a volunteer or by donating money/food. We are looking forward to meeting you!

Hope every year, there will be less hunger during Christmas.

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