The noise echoing down the dimly lit street in suburban Tokyo suggested it was no ordinary Sunday for the kids at St. Francis Children's Home. The usually subdued atmosphere in the alleyways around Kugahara Station in Ota Ward was punctured by shouts and laughter as the children worked themselves up for the much-anticipated Christmas Wish party.
The children at St. Francis are among a record 330 this year at six homes taking part in the third Christmas Wish program organized by Tokyo-based nonprofit Living Dreams.
"The holiday season can be especially difficult for these kids who are living apart from their family or have lost their family — so this is a great time of year to show a little extra love and attention to these homes," explains Amy Moyers-Knopp, the NPO's executive director. "The other key to this program is to hold it every year at the same home, so it's not a one-time thing."