Distribution Day for Soul Sparkle Parcels
The Soul Sparkles are AIDS orphans who have a built a family and community among other children who lost their parents to AIDS. Sophie started the Soul Sparkles group to give these children a chance to feel welcomed, loved and understood among others with similar experiences. She recognized the need for children to be able to express their feelings freely without judgement or fear of being an AIDS orphan. And, most of all, she wanted to create a safe place for them to be themselves.
She is called Mama Sophie or Mama by the kids. She is the person they turn to when there is no one else. When Sophie came to America, foremost in her mind was getting help for the Creche and the Soul Sparkles. The clothes drive was one way to get and show support for the Creche kids and the Soul Sparkles. The clothes are a rarity. The parcels usually contain food and toiletries.
"Especially in the warmer weather now the kids stand taller with the toiletries" Sophie notices. There’s a sense of pride knowing they have toiletries, that they won’t smell or ridiculed. The lack of toiletries is a very sensitive issue, enough to make a child avoid going to school, especially if they are ostracized.
With toiletries, the kids demonstrate a confidence where they can hold their head up high, knowing that have the toiletries necessary for good grooming.