Project Warm Hearts II

We're doing it again in 2009!

I'm proud to announce that I will again be spearheading Project Warm Hearts this year. There are still so many children in need in Ursulo Galvan that I am repeating the goodness to them. The major participants, John and Anita, in Ursulo Galvan have again agreed to coordinate things on the receiving end.

This is the lovely Anita helping to hand out little gifts of toys and some candy at the second party they were able to put together for 3 Kings Day.

The main drive and shipping of goods will begin later this fall. Read that as meaning I am going to start constantly reminding you then! Feel free to start sending your goods and cash donations now or anytime you feel like it. John will store anything he receives until party time! That gives all of you knitters, sewers and crocheters plenty of time to build up a stash of items. Those of you who prefer to send clothing, books, school supplies or other treats have plenty of time to watch for things to go on sale or to continually raid your local Goodwill or second hand stores.

Here's another idea and what I am doing in addition to knitting:

I'm throwing every 10, 20 and 50 centavo piece I get into a jar. Come November 1, I will take them to the bank and cash them in. Whatever is there will go directly as a cash donation to Project Warm Hearts II via John's Paypal account. The last time I collected these seemingly useless coins, I had 830 pesos. So they do add up! Those of you in other countries can do the same thing. Pennies and nickels come to mind. The best part? You will never even miss these little coins but they will make a big difference in some child's life.

Vicente, he who receives the packages we send, helped out with some of the door to door deliveries. Why door to door? Many reasons. Some of the families have disabled parents and cannot get their children to the party. Other families labor on into the night in the coffee fields of this area, getting home to late to make it to a party. And probably too tired to worry about it either.

I will post the links and addresses for the charity again this fall. Remember, we collected $900, hats, school supplies and books for the kids this year. Enough for the Santa Claus party to 85 children. And enough to host the 3 Kings party. Xico has a population of around 1600 people and every child that wanted a toy, got one. Incredible work.

So start your motors and let's make this year's effort even bigger than before. I know we can do it!

Just look at some of these happy faces. You guys did that.

These aren't major toys that were given out. But to a poor child, they are a major event.

Look how patiently they wait in line. I'm sure the anticipation for the kids was incredible.

John says that when they announced to this group that all of the toys, candy and clothing were gifts from strangers from other lands, the crowd burst into spontaneous applause and cheers.

I'm so proud of all of you and will continue to be so all year. I hope that my heart fairly bursts with pride next year as Project Warm Hearts II is even bigger and better!

UPDATED TO ADD: Please see Comments for info on early donations.