77 Winter Coats Delivered to Akhpradzor!

A group of 10 benevolent and big-hearted volunteers from AMAA ventured through the snowy and dangerous mountains of Geghakrunik region to deliver a special Christmas present to the students of the Akhpradzor village school. 

It took the group around two hours to get through 14 miles. The road is rocky and mountainous, covered entirely with snow. "We had to stop a few times," a volunteer said. "The van had to be fixed."

At 2 pm, the group finally arrived to the isolated school, covered in snow. In the chilly gymnasium, 77 children gathered to attend the exciting event. Teachers, parents, and students attended the presentation.

Armen Movsisian, leader of the AMAA Vardenis Chapter, led the team of 10 volunteers from Yerevan and Vardenis to present a special Christmas program with songs, poems, games, and stories for the children.  After the program ended, the students divided into groups based on their age and sex. The volunteers gave each child a warm winter coat as a gift for Christmas! 

"It was a very exciting event," a mother said. "Not only did they give the children toys and presents, but they also gave them coats."

The volunteers were also happy to be part of the trip. The principal welcomed them with warm hospitality and thanked them for their efforts. 

"Our program was very well received," a volunteer said. "The entire program went really well. The children were very surprised and very happy! It was a wonderful Christmas present for all of them."

On a phone interview, a ten-year-old student said he was really excited about his new coat and wanted to thank all the donors for their generosity. "Thank you so much everyone!" he said. "The coat is wonderful!"

The principal also thanked the HRI donors for all the support they have given to the village over the years. 

"We are so so so thankful for all of you!" she said. "God bless all of you!"

The coat project was made possibly through the donations of several high school and college students, as well as various donors from California. During the past month, HRI held presentations in various schools and institutions and presented the project. Coats were then purchased by volunteers in Armenia who organized the trip to the village and delivered the Christmas presents!