The tinkling sound of wind-chimes filled the air. It was Christmas day, and Simon and Sally had received presents. Don’t open the presents yet! the twins’ dad said gently. Simon, please check if there is any mail. It was the family’s daily routine to check for mail every day, early in the morning.

Simon came trotting back from the mailbox. Daddy, there is only one letter. It is for all of us! He said excitedly.

The letter was very small, and on the orange envelope, in an untidy scrawl, it wrote

"To the Children all around the world"

What could it be Sally squeaked. Simon opened it gingerly. Out fell another orange note, even smaller this time. It read

"Dear kids,

We are children, just like you, in Africa. You might have seen us in the newspapers, once. We need your help. We are all starving, as there isn’t enough food for all of us. Can you help us? Please donate money to us so that we can buy more food. This letter has been passed to you by travelers around the world. If you cannot donate any money, just pass this letter on.

Thank you!
Children of Africa"

What can we do, Daddy and Mummy Sally asked. Why don’t you use your savings and donate them the twins’ dad answered. This is a way to put them to good use. It can also be their Christmas gift! the twins’ mother added in.

And so they sent their savings to Africa. A few weeks later, another letter arrived.

It was in another orange envelope, but this time, it was covered in smiley-faces.

It read

"Dear Simon and Sally,

Thank you for donating money to us! We are not starving anymore!

Children of Africa"

The letter was followed by a lot of ‘Thank-you’ s and smiley faces. At the very bottom, there was another message. It read

"Thank you for donating to the Charity. You have helped a lot of children in Africa by donating."

They all smiled. It was a Christmas gift to the Children of Africa!

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