After floods ravaged parts of Jeddah last month, many families were left without homes or, even worse, with missing or deceased family members. Many community volunteers of all ages, both genders and various nationalities are working together to attempt to overcome the effects of this catastrophe. And disabled children are also doing their part to assist those affected by the floods. Disabled children from the Help Center are among the volunteers lending a helping hand at Al-Harithy Exhibition Center. Eight adolescent boys and girls accompanied by supervisors from the center on Monday were helping to sort out the large amount of supplies, food, blankets, and other donations that are being delivered by individuals, companies and factories in Jeddah. Speaking about the efforts of the disabled children, Reem Gazzaz, Assistant Director, Office of Advancement and Development at the Help Center, said that volunteers are working hand in hand in a time of crisis to offer aid to those in need. “Our children were also there to help. This is clear evidence that they are capable of being active and productive members of the community,” she said. She added that the participation of the disabled children is a practical way to develop their social, self-reliance and communication skills. “We are thankful for the work that they have done today, and we stand in admiration of the accomplishments of our children and their families,” she added. She also added that altruistic volunteerism demonstrates the ability of people with special or intellectual disabilities to contribute in various societal situations, be they crisis management circumstances or habitual conditions in society. The most important thing that these disabled children require is the chance to prove what they can do. “Who said we are incapable? We are capable of working within our limits,” a volunteering boy said when asked whether he could really help.
