Mangaluru: In its first outreach on February 24, Johnlyn Toy Exchange and Book Bank delighted 34 children at the Bal Bhavan (Children’s Home) at old ‘Remand Home’ in Bondel by presenting them with hampers comprising playthings and children’s books.
A team led by John Monteiro, promoter of Johnlyn, fronted scores of donors from Mangaluru, Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mumbai and other centres in delivering these goodies to the children hosted by the Bal Bhavan. The joy of the children up on receiving the hampers cannot be visually conveyed due to restrictions on frontal photography of the kids.
The programme included an abridged version of a Bondel Laughter Club session, anchored by John Monteiro, in which the children enthusiastically participated. On their part, they presented impromptu items of song and dance which were enjoyed by all. The Superintendent of Bal Bhavan, Laxmi Nayak, welcomed and thanked the Johnlyn team for bringing smiles to her wards’ faces – prompting the outreach team to thank her for giving them the opportunity. The programme concluded with refreshments for the children.
Mohan Monteiro, part of the core team, said that many more of such outreach programmes are planned and has requested prospective donors to bring their generous bounty for the neglected, deprived and deserving children to Johnlyn Cottage, Vijaya Bank Lane, Bondel Junction, Mangaluru 575008 – adding that his father would be happy to answer queries on the subject on (M) 98862 76608.
