SCORES of children residing at the Sophia Care Centre had smiles plastered on their faces after West Indies cricketer Christopher Barnwell visited them, last week, to distribute toys, books, a microwave oven and a DVD player.They were also treated to a sumptuous meal, complete with beverages and other goodies, all compliments of Digicel Guyana and Barnwell and friends.
Barnwell said he was very pleased to be there to spread Christmas cheer to the children, and he hoped to make the activity an annual feature. The national cricketer has, over the years, been participating in many charitable activities. He intends to continue in that stride, even if he has to pitch in to make it happen, especially for children.
As a Brand Ambassador of Digicel Guyana, Barnwell presented the gifts to the Administrator of the Sophia Care Centre, Roxanne Blenman, in a simple handing over ceremony.
He and his helpers, among whom was Santa Claus, presented toys to the smaller children and books to the teenagers.
On behalf of the residents, staff and management of the Sophia Care Centre, Administrator Blenman thanked Digicel Guyana and Barnwell and friends for the gifts received.
She said the gesture was very pleasing, and the centre would ensure the DVD player and microwave oven are taken care of and used for their intended purposes.
According to Blenman, when she was asked what the home needed, she did not hesitate to state, because the girls needed a DVD player upstairs and the place did not have a microwave oven.
Children housed at the location are between the ages of two and 16 years, and they all are there under various circumstances, including their being in protective custody.

All 86 of the Sophia Care Centre children attend school full-time, and transportation is provided them by the Government. Moreover, all are involved in indoor and outdoor activities, and are managed and supervised on a 24-hour basis.
The children were all engrossed in playing with the toys they each received from Santa Claus, as they consumed ice cream and other eatables, including a meal.