Santa and Mrs. Claus present gifts and candy to children from the Omura Kodomo Children’s Home who visited the Community and Education Center at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, on Saturday. (Greg Tyler / S&S)
Santa and Mrs. Claus present gifts and candy to children from the Omura Kodomo Children’s Home who visited the Community and Education Center at Sasebo Naval Base, Japan, on Saturday. (Greg Tyler / S&S)
Kelly Holmes-Smith and her sister Jennifer, behind her, serve lunch Saturday to children from the Omura Kodomo Children’s Home. (Greg Tyler / S&S)
Kids from the Omura Kodomo Children’s Home tear into their presents. (Greg Tyler / S&S)
SASEBO NAVAL BASE, Japan — About 80 children from an area children’s home had a jolly good time Saturday visiting the base for a Christmas celebration in the Community and Education Center.
The main base and Hario Housing Village Chapel communities donated presents for the children, from Omura Kodomo Children’s Home, via the Angel Tree Program.
The presentation was as exciting as the presents for some of the children. Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus, distributed the colorfully wrapped gifts.
Command chaplain Cmdr. Harvey Ranard called the event very successful.
“As a pastor, I believe that it’s important for Christians to support and minister to those in need in the community wherein they live and work, wherever that might be,” the chaplain said.
“Reaching out to the children of our host country, particularly at Christmas, is something I believe the Lord would want us to do.”
After a hearty meal, the group moved into the Main Base Chapel, where they heard a rendition of the Christmas story.
Last week, about 50 children from Seibo No Kishi Children’s Home visited the Hario Chapel for a similar holiday event.
“I like providing opportunities for interaction that build positive and lasting memories for everyone involved,” Ranard said.
“I know that each of the local children we touch will remember this all their lives,” he added, “and each sailor and family member who participated in the Angel Tree Program will, too."
