TIKRIT, Iraq — Emergency Response Battalion constables and a team of U.S. soldiers spent time handing out clothes, toys, school supplies and items for infants Dec. 23, at an orphanage here.
While violence throughout Iraq may be on the decline because of Iraqi security forces' gains, the emotional and physical scars from years of war and turmoil can still be seen on the surface, especially when it comes to the Iraqi youth who have lost their parents and other family to terror attacks and insurgent violence.
For those Iraqi children who have lost everything and everyone, the Tikrit orphanage has served as their new home and has been providing a safe haven for five years. Currently, the orphanage cares for 47 young Iraqis, to include several disabled youths who require extra care.
"We keep them out of the streets," said Fatin Abu Gharid, the Tikrit orphanage director. "We are not leaving kids on the streets where they are an easy target for insurgents."
Giving the children a place to call home is the first step in giving them a chance for success. The next is helping them understand how to live their new lives.
"They don't have parents to guide them in the right ways to live," explained Fatin "So, we try and teach them to love peace and not turn to crime."
While some of the constables and soldiers were providing security and scanning the area for any signs of danger, others were enjoying the lighter side of the afternoon entertaining dozens of orphaned children.
The constables and soldiers on the scene unloaded box after box of items donated by U.S. families and organizations for the children and began to haul them inside. Boxes for the boys were taken inside first, where the wide-eyed youths were standing by patiently, until the first box was set down.
Young boys charged the boxes and began rooting through the toys. Some took their new toy and began to play. Others gave theirs to the younger and smaller children waiting outside the circle to ensure they were taken care of. As the toy selection began to slim, the boys decided it was time to play with the constables and soldiers.
The donations for the Iraqi girls were next. As they sifted through their selection, the girls made sure that each received a toy and clothes. They, too, helped the youngest in the room gather up gifts for their enjoyment.
"We are very happy to have help from this event," Fatin said. "We take care of them, help them grow up and teach them things for real life."
With the donations completed, the constables and soldiers said their goodbyes and received numerous thanks and handshakes. The day's donations brought smiles and enjoyment to the faces of these Iraqi children with nowhere to call home, and no family but each other.