On Friday January 18, 2019 selected YCIS students, staff and parent volunteers traveled to the Special Education Children’s Center in University Town to deliver this year’s gifts from the 9^th annual Charity Drive. These children at the Special Education Children’s Center have a range of special needs including Autism, Intellectual Disability, Cerebral Palsy and other multiple disabilities. Many of these children have traveled far from home in order receive the support they need. We were able to collect enough items to support not only the Children’s Center in University Town but also Yifu Primary School in Nanchuan. An additional 48 gift bags have also been prepared for Yifu Primary School and will be delivered to them by following the Chinese New Year holiday. This gave us a total of 177 students receiving gifts this year.

Similar to last year, instead of using shoeboxes, red and blue drawstring backpacks were filled with winter clothes, stationary, puzzles and toys. After many hours of preparation, students, staff and volunteers set out to University Town in Chongqing for their special day of spreading holiday cheer and giving to those in need. Upon arrival at the school we were greeted by the center’s awaiting students who were very excited to spend time with us and receive their gifts. Our delivery was very different from last year as YCIS students were paired with individual students from the Children’s Center. This created a strong bond and a special connection between everyone from both schools. Students were able to get to know their special friend as they opened their gifts and had time to play together. We also had some whole group game time where students and adults alike shared smiles and laughter across the room.

A sincere thank you to all YCIS families and staff who donated to this event and to the PO volunteers, staff and students that helped make this event successful. Also, a special thank you to Year 6 for their additional personalized gifts. We are looking forward to next year’s Charity Drive and hope that as members of the YCIS family, we can continue to show how we follow our foundations motto: Yew Chung will align with LOVE and CHARITY!