Dear , I am only one, but still, I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something;
and because I cannot do everything,
I will not refuse to do something I can do.
-
Helen Keller
Helen Keller's powerfully inspiring words remind me
that each of our collective "somethings," great or small, can make an immensely positive impact on the lives of others less fortunate. That's why we're writing to you today:
To ask that this Holiday Season, you include Xela AID among your charitable priorities and help to empower the hopeful and hardworking people we serve. Today, more than 60% of adults in Guatemala are unable to read or write; 80% are unemployed! Compare that unemployment rate with the U.S. - 9.1% as of last summer - and you can imagine the suffering and uncertainty for the people of Guatemala. In our villages of focus,
Xela AID is changing that with hundreds of children in our Leadership, Scholarship and Study Center programs and Preschool Facility learning to read, write and become self reliant. Our health care, clean water and microbusiness initiatives are helping to keep children in school, and their families healthy and safe. As just a few of our outcomes:
* Xela AID has more than
doubled the average number of years children in its programs are in school, from four years (age 6-10) to ten years (age 6-16)
* We have attained
gender equity among children in our education programs (more than 50% studying are girls, up from less than 10%)
* Three children from our programs are the
first college graduates from their villages!
Supporters like you make it possible for Xela AID to break the cycle of poverty by providing educational opportunities and removing the health, environmental and socio-economic obstacles to education.
And can you imagine
 |
| Xela AID Director/Dr. Frank and patient |
having to keep your child out of school because they are sick, and you can't afford to see a doctor? Or, having to choose between medicine for a sick child and putting food on the table? We don't think any one among us should have to choose.
By joining in
Xela AID's Annual Winter Fund Drive, you will help ensure that many parents don't have to make those heart-wrenching choices. That's because all pledges will fund Xela AID's June Russel-Glennon Clinic so that it can provide uninterrupted health services to children and families. Children who are well can stay in school, learn, and improve their lives!
We know its been another tough year. Even so, we in the developed world have so much to be thankful for, and much to share. Yes, you are only one, but still, you ARE one! And your support WILL help to change lives for the better. Your contribution to Xela AID's Annual Winter Fund Drive will endure and multiply in the difference it will make the lives of thousands of families and children!
We thank you in advance for any pledge you may consider - either as your first gift of the year, or in addition to an educational sponsorship or other gift you may already have provided during 2011. To become a KCO Club Member (for "Keep the Clinic Open" - Royal Quetzal, Golden Circle, Silver Circle, Copper Circle, Member, Friend) or to make a general donation, click
HERE.
With our most sincere gratitude on behalf of those we serve, happy holidays to you and your family, from ours!
The Xela AID Directors
Luis Enrique de León, Patricia Maxwell,
Sheryl Fontaine, Carlos de la Rosa, Frank Long Mel Dinkel and Leslie Baer Dinkel ***
P.S. Xela AID receives no government assistance, but does its grass-roots work relying on the generosity of individual supporters - like you!
Your pledge will help ensure that Xela AID provides life-saving health care without interruption. Please send your tax-deductible contribution today.
***
Newsletter/Marketplace: You can read about how your contributions are working by visiting our website or signing up (if you haven't already) for our free newsletter at
www.xelaaid.org. And don't miss our new
Xela AID Marketplace for holiday shopping that keeps on giving.
