(I asked for and received permission from SkipMagic before posting this)
Dear Dopers,
I lead a group of people several times a year on a trip to a barrio outside of San Jose, Costa Rica called Pavas. There, we partner with a small church to serve the impoverished children there. The church’s name, Iglesia de Pesebre (Church of the Manger) is apt because its primary mission is providing food daily to around 100 orphaned or virtually orphaned children there. By virtually orphaned we mean that their fathers are absent and their mothers are prostitutes, drug addicts or both.
We recently partnered with them to transform their tin shack into a concrete structure that is safe and secure. Kids come to the church every day for beans, rice, and love.
One of the scourges of the community is child prostitution. For a hungry 9 year old girl who is responsible for her 3 year old brother, selling her body (and soul) is one of the few real options for her. Every day Iglesia de Pesebre fends off hunger for one of these beautiful children, is a day she doesn’t have to make that choice.
When we go back in two weeks, we will be working in the food program, improving local homes, going on a retreat with the elderly, and running a medical program. Part of the program is helping local families establish their own medicine cabinet.
Here is where we need your help:
One of our suppliers just backed out. We are short 100 thermometers and 100 tubes of first aid ointment (think Neosporin or the generic equivalent).
I know you guys have contacts. I also know you are socially conscious. If you feel moved to purchase a thermometer and a tube of first aid ointment, you can send it to:
Walnut Grove Church
7046 Cold Harbor Road
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
If you have questions you can email me at wgbccap@yahoo.com .
If you would like a receipt for tax purposes, include your name and address. I WILL NOT SEE THE PACKAGES OR YOUR INFORMATION!
The church website is http://www.walnutgrovebaptist.com/ .
Pics of past trip can be found at HERE .
If you feel led to donate, please do so quickly, as we depart in less than two weeks.
Thank you.
Peace,
Jayson
AKA Newcrasher