Helping kids smile: Inside Thorisho Mphahlele’s festive giving tradition
Emdo Park resident Thorisho Mphahlele spreads festive joy by donating gifts and essentials to children’s shelters across Polokwane.
POLOKWANE – For Emdo Park resident Thorisho Mphahlele, giving back is not a once-off gesture, it is a commitment she honours every year.
But when the festive season arrives, her efforts become even more intentional.
She believes Christmas and New Year should be a time of joy, warmth and togetherness, especially for children who may not have families to celebrate with.
“Giving back during the festive season is extremely important to me because it spreads joy and compassion,” she told Polokwane Observer.
“It strengthens communities and supports those in need by providing essentials like food, shelter and gifts to children. It fills my heart with so much joy to see the smiles on their faces when they receive wrapped gifts.”
Thorisho says that beyond meeting material needs, her festive outreach aims to bring emotional comfort.
“Giving back also helps combat social isolation, which is often worse during the holidays. Many people feel lonely or forgotten, and acts of kindness help create connection — something I try to do every year in December.”
Focusing on children who need love the most
Thorisho donates wrapped gifts to shelters that care for babies and children because she feels they need tenderness, security and joy more than anyone.
“These are individuals who need love, care and tenderness the most. That is why I prioritise them,” she said.
Her research throughout the year has shown her how many families, elderly people and vulnerable children lack basic necessities — from clothing and toiletries to toys and festive meals.
“Many people, especially families and the elderly, lack basic necessities and may feel lonely during the holidays. I try to fill that gap, but my main focus is always the younger children, and sometimes the elderly.”
Spreading festive spirit one gift at a time
Thorisho believes that even small acts of generosity can transform someone’s festive season.
“Acts of generosity can provide food, gifts and emotional support. They ensure that more people can celebrate Christmas and New Year with dignity and happiness.”
This year, she plans to deliver toys, clothing and wrapped gifts to various shelters around Polokwane and nearby areas on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve, a tradition she hopes to continue for many years.
Her message is simple: giving back is not just charity, but a way of sharing love, restoring hope and reminding people that they matter.
