Bringing Christmas Cheer to Osa This Year

Congressman Melvin Nuñez Piña asked Ask Zipy to come and celebrate Christmas in a small and impoverished community in Osa. When asked, Melvin explained that a group of local farmers that resided and worked on a banana plantation were evicted on December 24th 2015 and their homes burned down. The government came to their rescue and relocated the 30 families to temporary homes for a short period of time. Three years later, the families continue to live in those temporary homes.

The Congress and Ask Zipy came together with the people of Costa Rica to do a Toy Drive for this community which made the drive a huge success. On December 15th, volunteers gathered the toys, clothes, and food and took to the road to bring a little extra joy to this community in Osa this year. On the way, the team was excited about meeting all the children and their parents.

Upon arrival, the team was delighted to see a small area decorated with balloons and the people welcoming their guests with smiles and curiosity. The children surrounded the vehicles excited to help carry the bags under the tent. Olman, congressman Nuñez’s assistant introduced the team to Doña Jamileth Barrantes Gonzales, the community matriarch, who greeted all with gratitude. While everyone was eagerly waiting for the congressman’s entourage, Ask Zipy the sloth was a hit with the children.  Everyone wanted to take a picture with Santa Zipy including teens and adults.

Olman explained to us that the community has electricity but no running water, so a water truck comes once a week. The garbage truck comes once every two weeks and the groundwater is contaminated. He explained that now that rainy season is over, the homes will not experience flooding, unlike in the rainy season. For work, the men and older boys do casual labor, the younger children attend school nearby, and some women led by Doña Jamileth cook, bake, and make crafts to sell in the town a few miles away.

Congressman Nuñez arrived happily with a missionary group, more toys, and delicious chicken and rice with refreshments to commence the Christmas party. A pastor opened with a short interactive sermon, then the children played many fun, interactive games. Afterwards, they were surprised with another special treat. Santa came and the children gathered to receive their gifts and have pictures taken with the congressman and Santa. Among the gifts, each child received an apple and some grapes.

Although some of the children, elated, tore into their gifts many did not open them right away. The majority dug into their apple with a smile while others rushed home with their treasures. When all the children had been given gifts, the adults were offered fruit as well. Just like the children, they expressed pleasure and gratitude when biting into the apples. It is amazing how something so many of us takes for granted was so greatly appreciated.

As the party started to unwind, Congressman Nuñez gave the Ask Zipy team a tour of the community and with pride, Doña Jamileth welcomed the team to her home. Her one-room home, outside kitchen, and living area were spotless. The outside dirt floor was freshly swept and the flowers and shrubs in her small yard were well groomed. Many yards in the community were well maintained despite the failing structure of their homes. Although not copious, the people in the community really take pride in what they do have.

The Ask Zipy team thanked the community for welcoming them and thanked Congressman Nunes for bringing a voice to the community while throwing a fantastic Christmas Party. Let us all remember the power of community outreach and supporting one another!

More... PHOTOS 

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