The Port Authority of Guam’s Finance team led a donation drive for foster children through the Harvest House organization. Cumulatively, the donation drive garnered more than 100 gifts for all ages up to 19 years old and included a variety of items such as baby clothes, dolls, games, makeup, bags and tumblers. The total approximated value of our Port Strong Family was more than $1,000.00.

On Saturday, December 17, 2022, Harvest House hosted their annual Christmas Celebration, “A Christmas Morning” wherein 104 families, five shelters and 282 foster children attended. More than 1,200 gifts were distributed by Santa with each child receiving numerous presents. Events included playing in make believe “snow”, pictures at the photo-booth, holiday crafts and breakfast.

“Every year we try to create special memories during the holiday season for every foster child,” said Harvest House’s Office Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator Joanna Javellana. “Many have witnessed and been victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect and have never experienced the true joy of Christmas. This event also gives siblings a chance to reunite with each other if they have been separated in different homes as well as relieving the stress on the foster parents to buy gifts for the extra children they have taken in. We are very grateful for the community of Guam for coming together to help us make this event successful.”

“Every year we try to create special memories during the holiday season for every foster child,” said Harvest House’s Office Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator Joanna Javellana. “Many have witnessed and been victims of abuse, abandonment, or neglect and have never experienced the true joy of Christmas. This event also gives siblings a chance to reunite with each other if they have been separated in different homes as well as relieving the stress on the foster parents to buy gifts for the extra children they have taken in. We are very grateful for the community of Guam for coming together to help us make this event successful.”

In Guam, there are more than 600 foster children. Many of these children come from difficult backgrounds filled with pain and trauma and have never experienced the true joy that Christmas can bring. The Harvest House mission is helping children and teens in Guam develop a heart for God by providing a safe haven to help them grow physically, socially, mentally, and spiritually.

The Donation Drive was held by the Association of Government Accounts Guam Chapter to provide Christmas cheer to foster children.