The U.S. Consulate General’s Giving Tree

The U.S. Consulate General’s “Giving Tree,” circled by presents from Consulate staff members for the children of Prerana.

Buried down the busy, narrow lanes of Kamathipura is a shelter that brings  in the children of sex-workers to keep them safe from the flesh trade.  Prerana, which means “inspiration”, makes sure the children are educated, cared for, and are able to find joy in life and hope for their future.  The shelter tutors the children after school, provides them dance and other recreation programs and offers them a safe place to stay.  The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai chose the children of  Prerana for this year’s beneficiary of the annual “Giving Tree.”  A Christmas tree in the lobby of the consulate was decorated with angel ornaments, each with a gift idea for the children—games, shoes, books in Marathi, clothing, even a TV and DVD player.  American and Indian employees at the consulate selected  ornaments from the tree and brought in gifts for the children; some chose to make a cash donation. The presents, all wrapped in fancy papers, ribbons, and decorative bags made for a beautiful sight that helped add to the Christmas spirit at the consulate.