Claypit BASE Fundraiser Supports Guatemalan Orphanage

An ambitious Crafts/Bake Sale fundraiser at Claypit Hill School BASE that raised nearly $600 will have far-reaching effects this year as it boosts the efforts of a Central American orphanage rescuing orphaned children from the streets of Guatemala.

For several weeks this fall, students attending the after-school program created duct tape bracelets, hand-painted candy pots, stained glass sun catchers, stuffed animals, and decorative trivets. They decorated gingerbread cookies to sell and on the two sale days, their parents brought in freshly made popcorn, chocolate brownies, and homemade oatmeal bread.

With the preparations finished and their wares on display for the Claypit Hill community, the children spent two December afternoons happily selling a wealth of items. Thanks to the support of the Claypit Hill community, the BASE program is donating $576 to the Fundanina Orphanage in Guatemala.

Site Coordinator Sue Schaufeld credits the support of the Claypit Hill staff and parents for the annual event’s success.

“We’re delighted with the results this year, knowing we will have an impact on young children’s lives in Guatemala,” Schaufeld said.

The orphanage’s mission is to help young children who have been living on the streets and have been victimized or abused. In the past 14 years, the orphanage has rescued more than 130 children from the streets, and around 100 have been adopted by American families.

Andrew Harris, a Claypit Hill and BASE staff member, suggested the orphanage as this year’s recipient. He became familiar with its works when he resided in Guatemala for three years; his wife is from Guatemala.

“My mother-in-law has volunteered at Fundanina for more than a decade and sponsors three girls who live there,” he explained.

Fundanina’s goals include keeping siblings together, seeing that children are cared for lovingly, and ensuring that their lives are changed for good.  Thanks to the Claypit Hill BASE program’s successful fundraiser and the Claypit community’s support, Fundanina Orphanage will be supported in its mission.