MANILA, Philippines – Outgoing United States Ambassador Kristie Kenney said she wants to enjoy her last Christmas in the Philippines rather than dwell on the fact that she is leaving her post soon.

“I will miss it so very much. That’s why it is very hard for me,” Kenney told ABS-CBN News during the annual gift-giving project of US and Philippine Narines called “Operation Goodwill.”

“So don’t make me sad and it’s Christmas, I want to enjoy,” she added. US President Barack Obama named Harry Thomas, Jr. as Kenney’s successor. Thomas’ appointment still has to be confirmed by the US Senate.

Kenney and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim led the distribution of toys and clothes to children from Smokey Mountain, a landfill located in Manila. The toys given out were gathered by US soldiers throughout the year.

The gift-giving project not only brought smiles to the children’s faces but also to the Marines’.

“You come and talk to them and they smile and say ‘Hey look, we are better than yesterday.’ That means a lot and to my people as well,” said Brig. Gen. Mark Brilakis of the US Marine Corps.

Philippine Marine Corps commandant Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban added, “Lubus-lubos din ang kaligayahan namin dahil sa ganitong paraan. We always take good care of the children.”

The US and RP Marines also distributed gifts to children in other parts of the country, especially in Mindanao. – With a report from Abner Mercado, ABS-CBN News