AUS students present hand-stitched toys to orphans

Students from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) Community Services division presented over 100 hand-stitched toys to orphans under the care of Sharjah Social Services and the Child Protection Center on December 14, 2015.

Representatives from both centers expressed their sincere gratitude to the students for their efforts and the initiative's noble cause. "We are really out of words; we than you from the bottom of our hearts for making us and our kids happy," said a representative of Sharjah Social Services.

The toys were stitched by more than 70 AUS students over the course of two workshops held on campus. The student volunteers are part of the Toy Stories Initiative, created by students under the supervision and support of the university's Community Services Division. Through the initiative, the students aim to use their creativity, time and effort to come up with something that will be valued and appreciated by orphans.

Shruthi Sri, a student volunteer in the Toy Stories Initiative, said "It took me that one moment-witnessing the kids' faces light up after seeing the toys-for me to realize how important the initiative was."

Karan Gurnani, a volunteer team leader of the Toy Stories Initiative, said "It was an overwhelming feeling that validated all the hours of work we AUS students have put into this initiative."

"It is heartwarming to see the children's reactions when presented with our students' creations. Their joy and smiles are more than just rewards for our students; they fulfill our students' passion in caring, sharing and giving to those in need. I am proud of our students for creating diversified activities that benefit the less privileged members of society," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Dean of Students.