Posts filed under ‘Donations’
Honduras through the eyes of its children
Our Journey for Hope is putting on a photo exhibit with all proceeds going to Esperanza – Hope For The Children, Inc. The photos being showcased were all taken by children in Honduras, many of whom had never held a camera in their life. The event is next Friday, March 8th, at 6:30pm at Reasons to be Cheerful (110 Commonwealth Ave, Concord, MA). Hope to see you there!
Lizzie’s friends join in her generosity.
Lizzie’s inspiration to help others was generously endorsed by her friends (and their families). Esperanza is thrilled to report that $460 was donated in honor of Lizzie’s 16th birthday and will be used to improve the condition of Astrid’s home! Thank you all for caring so much. If all goes according to plan, Astrid will be returning here in June 2013 and will see many of you then.
Lizzie shares her gifts with others.
Esperanza-Hope for the Children, Inc. sends best wishes to Lizzie Morrison who is celebrating her 16th birthday! It is often thought that teenagers are self-absorbed, but this young lady has generously asked her friends to forego gifts for herself, and if they desire, make a contribution to Esperanza.
Lizzie, a high school sophomore, has befriended many Honduran children over the years. I’ll never forget the day at Shriners Hospital when I saw Lizzie rocking baby Hedman. This infant had suffered severe burns over much of his body, including his face, head and the loss of his hand. Many children would be very uncomfortable in this situation, but not Lizzie…she was a natural, comforting Hedman with the ability to see beyond his injuries.
Since that time, Lizzie and her family have not only visited dozens of children hospitalized in Boston, they have opened their home and fostered children in need of specialized medical treatment before returning to their families in Honduras. Often times, the children are with the Morrisons for several weeks and special bonds are formed.
Eight year old Astrid has developed a particularly close relationship with the Morrison family. Originally, she was here for several operations for a “tethered (spinal) cord” and “cavus” foot. She continues to return each summer for follow-up appointments. The Morrisons have been financially supporting Astrid in a bilingual school where she is a very gifted student who now has a much brighter future.
Astrid lives in a dangerous part of her village which is referred to as “punta calienta” (hot point). Fortunately, she now has a small 2 bedroom house, but it still lacks any furniture in the one common room. It is Lizzie’s desire to direct her donations to improve Astrid’s home…this might be purchasing furniture or installing bars on the windows.
Thanks Lizzie, for all your involvement over the years and for making a difference in the lives of so any children.
His spirit lives on
Six months ago, we shared the news that Esperanza’s most generous benefactor, Richard Kimball, had passed away. His death had a significant impact on us personally, and the grief was spread to Flores, Honduras, as well. Although Dick never had the opportunity to travel to Honduras, his presence was felt…photos hung in people’s homes of Dick and Martha (“Abuelo” and “Abuela”) and his name was known for all the patients he supported financially.
Every Christmas, Esperanza-Hope for the Children, Inc. has received his annual donation. It was with great pride Dick presented a check he knew would have a significant impact in the lives of many children in need. This year, Martha continued Dick’s tradition, and honored his wishes by continuing their support…his spirit lives on, and we are most grateful.
Children’s Photos
After spending the summer in Honduras teaching children photography, Jason and Becca from Our Journey for Hope have shared much the children’s work online. You have the opportunity to buy a student’s photograph, which will go towards increasing educational opportunities for the children of Flores, Honduras. Please check out the amazing photos these children took and consider donating to a great cause.
To see the children’s work go to:
http://ourjourneyforhope.bigcartel.com/
A New School Year Will Soon Begin
February marks the beginning of the school year in Honduras. School is provided free of charge by the government but not the school supplies or uniforms, which are mandatory. Six volunteers from Esperanza will soon be traveling to Honduras with duffle bags full of school supplies and we are still in great need of black school shoes in any sizes.
Honduran children living in severe poverty take an average time of 9 1/2 years to complete the sixth grade. There are many reasons for this including children having to leave school to help support their families, teachers being on strike, and others simply lacking the resources.
Stores currently stocking these shoes include: Pay Less, Target and Walmart. Please consider donating one pair of shoes and giving one deserving child the opportunity to attend school this year. No child should be left behind…
‘Tis The Season For Giving
Interested in making a donation this holiday season? Looking to donate in someone’s name as a gift? Please consider Esperanza, it’s through your support that we are able to help these amazing children in Honduras. Happy Holidays!
You can donate online in our How to Help section
One Boy’s Compassion… Making A Difference
Fifteen year old Ben Lania recently organized his own drive for collecting school supplies, over the counter medications and toiletries. His initiative and follow through produced a generous response within his community.
Ben provided us with these supplies for our last trip to the village of Flores. The much needed items were enthusiastically received by children and adults alike. Families go without basic items such as soap or toothpaste due to living in extreme poverty. Children are not afforded the luxury of “back to school shopping” for supplies… they scrape by with what they can find.
All recipients were extremely grateful for Ben’s donations, and their underlying comment was “someone living far away cares.” Children are our future, and this one is making a positive impact. Thanks, Ben!
Thank you Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC!
For the past ten years we have been receiving financial and spiritual support from the folks at Pilgrim Church in Lexington. The memebers and friends of the church have also generously offered their support with supplies of clothing, shoes, school supplies and more.
Every spring, the Honduran Support Group holds a book sale. Proceeds from the sale are used to purchase Spanish books and supplies and/or complete a project at one of the schools in Flores, Honduras. This year, over $1,500 has been donated to construct an outdoor eating and play area at an elementary school.
We wish to thank Mrs. Sandi Gardiner who organizes a fantastic crew to coordinate the book sale, and to Pilgrim’s Mission Committtee for supplementing the proceeds. This project is being enthusiastically endorsed by the teachers in Flores and will be enjoyed by many children.
Remembering Ray Tye, with love
A year ago today, our beloved friend, Ray Tye passed away. He truly was my hero and his spirit lives on in me, as I share his desire of helping improve the lives of others. Please take a moment to read about this remarkable man and the impact he had on so many lives at his foundation’s website: www.raytyemedicalaidfoundation.org. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with his wife, Eileen and his large extended family. We are incredibly in debt to this foundation for providing the financial support for three of Esperanza’s patients. The following words were included in our tribute to Ray…”I love how he had no boundaries and helped people of all ethnicities, religions and ages. I think of him when I read Proverbs 31:8-9: Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly: defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
This evening, we will be toasting Ray with grateful hearts…may he be having his own celebration, surrounded by loved ones.
