Most of us tonight, are sitting, with hearts and bellies full from today's celebration of Thanks. We all have so much to be thankful for, no matter what our circumstance. On days like today, it is especially important to remember those who are away from their families, or whose feast might not be all that we think of when we think of this day. My thoughts go daily to Ethiopia... to the children I've fallen in love with in orphanages, and on the streets...to the friends I've made on my journeys and to our sweet kids in the sponsorship program. Today, though, I give thanks for you. I am humbled and grateful for all of you who step out in faith and make this life better for those in need. For a child half-way around the world, in a place you may never go. To give Hope, is one of the greatest gifts a person can give. For each donation to the project, for every prayer, you offer the hope of a better future. I thank you for your continued support of our programs.
With just 26 days left till' Christmas, we are still a long way off of our goal for this years project. I received only $50 this week towards our goal of $9,120. We currently have $5,750, and need to raise $3,370.
$1,220 of that will cover the remainder of the tuition for our 5 girls in boarding school.
The other $2,150 is what we still need for our small business grant. This years grant will be benefiting two very deserving families. One of the families consists of a father, mother and 4 older children. They have stuggled through the years, and the children are very far behind in school. The parents have both been without work for a long time, and could really use a hand up to get back on their feet. They are hard working people, who would love the opportunity to start a small injera and bread baking business to bring in much needed income to their family.
The second family is an older sister taking care of her 4 siblings (both parents are deceased). Kidist the oldest, was left disabled after contracting polio as a child. She operates a small shop where she does hair braiding, but she struggles to put food on the table and keep the kids in school. She would love to be able to expand her tiny shop and bring in more business for her family.
This small business grant is more than just handing over funds to someone. It's investing in their future. I'm so excited about this portion of the project.
If you have not already made your donation for this years project, I hope that you will help us make our goal.
Below is the breakdown.
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*Kidane Mihret
100 Backpacks
3 Sheep for Christmas Dinner ($60 each = $180)
HAVE $180!!!
NEED 100 backpacks
*Sele Enat
Gifts for Children
2 Sheep for Christmas Dinner ($120)
$100 for party (foods/sodas/supplies)
HAVE $220!!!
NEED Gifts for children
*BMI
Clothes and gifts for the children ($100)
HAVE $100
NEED $0
*Kids Care
Gifts for Children
2 Sheep for Christmas Dinner ($120)
HAVE $120!!!
NEED Gifts for Children
*Sponsorship Program
Dinner and Party for Sponsorship Students $300
Backpacks for all students (X 15)
Family bonuses to benefit whole family for food/clothing/rent, etc.
$50 each family (not including boarding school girls =$200)
HAVE $500!!!!!
NEED 15 backpacks
Boarding school girls- gifts of clothing (underwear, shoes, etc.)
*Small Business GRANT
$3,000 to help a deserving individual start up their own small business to help themselves and their families towards a better life!
HAVE $850
NEED $2,150
*Boarding School Tuition $5,000
HAVE $3,780
NEED $1,220
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Total Needed (not including gifts): $9,120
What we have: $5,750
STILL NEEDED : $3,370 + gifts
So.... LET'S DO THIS! Help make a difference in the life of a child this holiday season!
