Growing up, there were times when my family had so little money, there wasn’t enough to buy clothing (My parents literally had to choose and food always came first)

In fact, at any given time when I was a child, I never owned more than a few “okirika” and pass-me-down clothes from my older siblings.

Though I was a very understanding child, I didn’t bother about clothes so much, but there were times when it was hard. Not having new clothes depressed me the most during holiday festivities, especially on Christmas day.

I’d stand outside our house staring at other kids who wore new clothes wondering why I couldn’t be like them. Many times I went to my mom in tears, feeling I wasn’t beautiful because I didn’t have new clothes.

She would try to pacify me, promising things would be different the following year. Rarely did those promises come true.

I know what it’s like not to feel beautiful, especially on Christmas day. I know that new shiny clothes would have made me feel pretty especially on Christmas day.

Because I know what it feels like to be without, in my heart, I now carry a devotion to provide clothing to less fortunate children, especially at this Christmas time. Seeing them wear something shiny and new makes me feel proud and happy.

It’s so fulfilling to see their smiles.

EVERY Christmas since 2021, JumokeCares Foundation has provided Food, Clothes, Gifts, and Fun for over 3000 kids