Children from the Duport Road community in Monrovia aboard a van on their way to the MCF Christmas Party.

More kids arrive to the party by van.

Mapu does her best to blow up a balloon at the party.

Balloon time!

Success! Someone finished blowing up a balloon!

A brother-and-sister duo arrive at the Christmas party.

Young girls dressed to the nines for the party.

Tibita is ready for some party games.

This dog was a hit with the kids! He belongs to the generous man who opened his home for the party.

Taking a break from the festivities.

The kids love posing for pictures.

Still working on those balloons!

Just hanging out between games.

Glitter proved to be a hot item at the party. Some of the kids had more of it on them than on their craft projects!

Glitter!

The boys hold still long enough to pose for a picture.

These sisters are perfectly matched, right down to their suckers.

Another coordinating pair.

This little guy gives the party a thumbs-up.

MCF is opening an academy in 2010, and the kids were asked to draw pictures of their dream school. Here, one of the older children in the program displays his very detailed school plan.

Another dream school drawing.

A colorful dream school!

Mary's dream school.

Time for a dance contest!

The boys' turn for a dance-off.

Striking a pose for the camera.

Getting ready to play another game.

Time for a water break!

While the kids play, the adults are busy making enough food to feed hundreds of people.

A warm meal for Christmas dinner.

It's present time! MCF collects donations throughout the year so each child can receive a bag of school supplies, toys, and necessities. This year, MCF hosted its first gift drive in early December to collect even more supplies and money to ship them to Liberia.

Tantee received clothing and school supplies.

Some much-appreciated school supplies.

Thanks to everyone who donated supplies or money so these children could have Christmas presents! Read more about how you can donate to a care bag at any time during the year here.

A few days after the MCF party, the kids take a break from school and enjoy a snack with MCF volunteer Billie Gibson.

School administrators pose for a photo with MCF volunteer Billie Gibson (second from left) and MCF ambassador Amina Sirleaf (fourth from right).