I'm putting on my other hat today to write about a second passion of mine, working to help the many needy children in Oaxaca, Mexico. The connection between the Durham and Middlefield communities and the city of Oaxaca dates back to 2000 when the CRHS Spanish Honor Society began sponsoring a child in the Oaxaca Streetchildren Grassroots program. That young child, who had dropped out of school lacking the funds to purchase the basics required for public education in Mexico (uniforms, as well as school supplies), is now almost a college graduate! Rodrigo will graduate next summer with a degree in special education. His life was changed by a simple sponsorship of $250.00 per year. He now will help many other needy children in his career as a teacher in the public school system in Mexico.
I can't begin to explain the amazing positive changes I've seen in the lives of so many children over the past 13 years that I've been involved with this program. I currently sponsor Rodrigo's younger brother, David, as well as little Emili, whose life is made even more complicated by her kidney disease (which thankfully is currently under control). Five other children in the program are also sponsored by friends of mine from our community. I'm so thankful for their commitment to this worthy program!
There are so many organizations here and abroad that are in great need of financial assistance from those of us who are fortunate to have a bit extra to spare. Please consider going to our website: www.oaxacastreetchildrengrassroots.org to see how you could help. We currently have 60 needy children on a wait list, waiting for a sponsor to come forward and give them the opportunity to attend school. If that is not a possibility, we gladly accept any donations to our General Fund, used for current and new programs at our community center in Oaxaca, El Centro de Esperanza Infantil.
Thanks so much for your consideration. Stay tuned for information about our upcoming raffle of Oaxacan handicrafts in July. All proceeds from this raffle will go toward our General Fund.
