A group of 20 young Anglo-Indians delivered a bag of Christmas cheer on Saturday and Sunday at the doors of members of the community who can’t step out because of illness or old age.
The organisers, who chose to remain anonymous, said they had named the initiative “Secret Santa”. They wanted to bring smiles on the faces of those who may be feeling lonely and have to stay indoors.
Residents of 64 homes received bags containing rice, atta, cooking oil, cheese, tomato sauce, cornflakes, milk powder, sugar, tea leaves, cookies, candies and cakes, among other items. “The bags had a lot of grocery items as well as some Christmas special stuff,” said one organiser.
Just like Santa Claus brings smile by delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, the young people, all in their 20s, did so. The organisers of the initiative said they did not want their identities to be revealed to those who received the bags and hence named it “Secret Santa”.
“The Santa must remain secret,” said one of them.
A group of people had over the last few weeks circulated a message among community members asking them if they knew someone who may not be able to enjoy Christmas by stepping out. “Many people sent names and we decided to deliver some goods at their home,” said one organiser.
The volunteers knocked at the door of the people, wished them Merry Christmas and left the bag. They did not wait to face questions like who sent the items.