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We have been avidly reading Rich Kunz's updates about the political situation in Honduras. It is eye-opening to read the on-the-ground perspective on this crisis, offering a different view than is readily found in the general news media. Rich reports that, thankfully, inside the gates of El Hogar the children and staff have been safe and school has proceeded nearly unhindered by the turmoil outside. However, for months now, the children and staff have sorely missed the presence of the volunteer mission teams.
In many ways work teams are our lifeblood. Not only do they perform much-needed maintenance on our three campuses, the love and care they show to our children as they live and play among them during their stays is an integral part of our mission. And even after our teams return to North America, they bring stories of their life-changing experiences to their families and churches - which, in turn, yield sponsorships, more workteams, and other support. All of this has come to a stop. Like many non-profit organizations, we were already seeing much-diminished giving as a result of the global recession. With the suspension of the work team program all summer, El Hogar finds itself in a precarious financial position. Our reserves are nearly spent, and we face potential program reductions in Honduras.
One relatively easy way we can work to raise some quick funds is through the National El Hogar Walkathon. You may have seen reference to this in previous eNewsletters. Here are different ways you can help:
Form a Walkathon team in your neighborhood.
- Click here: http://www.elhogar.org/walkathon/overview.htm
- Click on "Register as a Team Leader"
- Fill out team and leader information and set team goal
- Your team name will be posted to the website shortly
- Find guidelines and helpful materials on the Walkathon Page
- Find people to walk as part of your team and sponsors and have them register online on the same page.
If there is no walk going on in your area, you can join a Walkathon long-distance by contributing to the El Hogar National Team walk taking place in Winchester MA, the location of El Hogar Ministries' office, on October 25th, 2009.
To sponsor the El Hogar National Team - led by me, Liz Kinchen:
The Winchester Walkathon's goal is to raise $30,000, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of El Hogar Projects, founded in 1979. Our tag line is:
30 Years of Love and Hope
End Poverty through Education
Please help El Hogar in this time of particular need by forming a team, or help right now by supporting me as I lead the El Hogar National Team. Now, with this latest news of Zelaya's return, uncertainty for Honduras and strain on El Hogar increases further.
Every small donation adds up!
Thank you for your love and support!
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