A volunteer co-operative facilitating donations directly to people in need, enhancing community partnerships and reducing waste.
Please consider contributing to our latest project: First and Second Grade Nacho Textbooks are a luxury here in rural Honduras. Most rural schools have no first grade texts whatsover!!!! The more fortunate schools may have between 2 and 4 texts to share among 20 or more other first graders. This, coupled with the lack of blackboards, paper and story books make it nearly impossible for first graders to learn to read.
The textbooks retail for 55 lempiras... about $3 U.S. each. I can get them in bulk for less than $2.40 each, but the need is tremendous. I need about 300 textbooks to be able to partially supply all my schools in this municipality... giving at least enough books that can be shared by 2 students each.
Julie, if there is any way you can help with this, please know that we would really appreciate it. The teachers are frustrated and overwhelmed and really desperate to have some texts to teach with.
This is a quote from little 6 year old Carlito in the village of Hacienda San Juan... "I've never seen a book but i would like to one day, because I already know my letters!"
Did you know that spending $100 at a chain store keeps $13 in your community, but spending $100 at a locally owned store keeps $45 in your community? Shop local at some GNG supporters: Victoria's Fancy Foods, Franklin Toys, Cha Ching Consignments, Savvy Consignments, Honeysuckle Quality Consignments, Sweet Pea's Repeats, Wrap-n-Brew, Celebrate Recovery, Serendipity, Arundel Antiques and Fresh Express Organic Market.
Current projects and needs:
*In search of two sets of bunk beds and a tub bench/chair.
*HOPE for All is serving a group of approximately 30 homeless folks who are living in the local area. They are collecting the following: tents, blankets, sleeping bags, air mattresses, bottled water, juice, lanterns, coolers, tuna, chicken, Spam, ham, sausages, fruits and vegetables, bug spray, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates, cups, plastic ware, mouth wash, hand wipes, soap, size D batteries, propane tanks, plastic tarps and towels/linens.
*HOPE for All needs two cribs with mattresses, two high chairs, a double stroller, for a family struggling to take care of two infants.
*White shirts and khaki pants for school uniforms for HOPE for All. They are also in need of underclothes for boys and girls, including t-shirts and underwear.
*Layette, crib and other newborn baby items for baby boy due in September
*Household items, dog and cat food for Beltsville family who had a fire
*HOPE for All is in need of lamps, dressers, beds, kitchen tables and love seats
*Opportunities to send school supplies with travelers to Honduras
*Donation of items for a friend's shipment to Marines in Iraq: pens, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, hand pumps, Frisbees, candy, water balloons, remote control cars/toys, decks of cards, baby wipes, lip balm, and Crystal Light. Toys, sports items and cards don't have to be new.
*Mentors for local people trying to establish and maintain productive paths. Sometimes this is as simple as a phone conversation or an occasional meeting.
*Cloth grocery bags and grocery donations for the GNG grocery program helping families in need (see Grocery Program Page). Currently helping 26 families.
*Opportunities to sell GNG handmade dog toys. All proceeds benefit MAS Rescue for their vet bills and transport. Toys are $7, made of colorful, braided fleece.
*Volunteers to sort clothing at HOPE For All in Glen Burnie. www.hopeforall.us.
updated 8/11/10
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To contact us, please send a message to: contact@goodneighborsgroup.org.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
Margaret Mead