Charitable Opportunites

I know we are surrounded these days by many people/organizations looking for contributions. I also know I like to know about different areas that are dear to my friends, so here it is, from me.

Xela, Guatemala, November 2014

As you may or may not know I went to Guatemala last fall and this fall I am heading to Bolivia with the same organization, doing the same program. You can read about it HERE.  I am a little short of my fundraising goal, so if you'd like to give you can do so  at THIS LINK.  If you choose to give online please use the drop down box "Bolivia Serve Team" and put my name Lori DeJarnatt in the comments section. You can also mail me a check, made out to Mike Silva International, and I'll get it to them. (my mailing address can be found by clicking Dresses for Bolivia to the right of this post.) Either of these ways will be 100% tax deductible.  Any money collected above and beyond what I need will be going to 2 well projects, one will provide clean drinking water to a school of 460 children, and another well project for a community of 350 families and a school, of 200 children. It is hard to imagine not having fresh water easily accessible.
Several of you have given me money for the cause. I'll be bringing school supplies, hygiene items, Bibles, treats, and the pillowcase dresses, so if you'd like to donate for these items that would make me happy as well.

Many of you donated to Jaime and his family. We have given them Christmas gifts, food, shoes, clothing and school supplies.  This little guy is 11 yo and shines shoes to help support his large family. I have wired the last of the money I collected but would still like to continue to bless this family with love and gifts from USA. You can read about him HERE.  If you'd like to donate to Jaime and his family, please send me a check or transfer  through paypal. Yes, there is a bit of trust involved, but so far I have been able to share photos with you. I cannot imagine the poverty that surrounds this large family. We cannot do a lot, but we can do something. Thank you to those who have given.

Here are more dresses for Bolivia! Thank you Beth, Nancy, Rita and Laurie. I know more will start rolling in and I will not be able to thank everyone individually, so please look here for your dresses and thank you. You can find my mailing address on the right sidebar under Dresses for Bolivia.  If you want to know more click HERE.

Last, but certainly not least, I heard about Faith Seeds while on my trip to Guatemala.  It is an amazing ministry where the founder, Gaby Munoz, works with garbage dump families, with education and food. These are the poorest of the poor and feeding your family is more important than education.  Gaby is trying to change that, one child at a time. I was able to meet this wonderful woman in Sisters, Oregon this past spring. I feel honored to know her! You can sponsor a child, and read about FAITH SEEDS here. 100% of your donation goes straight to Guatemala when you donate to St Paul's Lutheran Church in Ohio.  Please click on Xela Faith Seeds sponsor.

I hope I've stirred your heart in one way or the other to help your fellow mankind. I realize more than ever that we enter this world with nothing and we leave with nothing.
Thank you for your kindness and for making the world a little better place.
XOXO