Give a Kid a Backpack

Continuing Promise 2011 Puerto San Jose, Guatemala Education Coalition

2011-07-18T19:19:00.001-07:00

Continuing Promise 2011
Puerto San Jose, Guatemala
Education Coalition

USNS COMFORT Arrives in Guatemala
The ship almost docked at the Port of San Jose; however, there were
challenges with anchoring the ship directly to the provided gangway.
The Military Sealift Command Captain and mariners decided to anchor
the ship to a walkway attached to the gangway, which kept the ship
close to the shore. We used the ship’s small hospitality boats to ride
around the ship to the pier. The port included a beautiful yacht club
with a tiki hut restaurant. We were given the unique opportunity to
spend a few liberty (free) hours at the restaurant to enjoy the food
and utilize the free internet. The military members were able to leave
during their off-duty hours and most of the civilians were able to
visit the shore each night. It was pleasant to have the opportunity to
view and purchase local gift items available during our visit.

Rotary Welcome
We began our project development by contacting the Rotary Club of
Escuintla. The Rotarians were very engaging. The Maritime Civil
Affairs Team and I attended a morning Rotary meeting in Escuintla.
This Rotary meeting was only the second meeting that I have been able
to attend. I was extremely thankful for the opportunity to view and
learn more about the different services Rotarians provide globally.
The Rotarians also had an opportunity to tour the COMFORT. They
enjoyed the experience tremendously and even provided t-shirts for the
COMFORT volunteers who assisted with their transportation and tour
experience.

We were able to also visit each Rotary identified school alongside
club members to coordinate a dynamic three-day program.

COMFORT Collaboration
The Coalition began a unique partnership with the USNS COMFORT band
and Dental Department in Nicaragua and the program helped provide an
alternative program in Guatemala. We visited the school Escuela La
Ceiba in Escuintla to investigate delivering backpacks. Upon our
arrival, we learned that the school was actually two schools, 250
students in the morning and 270 in the afternoon. We discussed options
with the Director and decided to organize a band concert, dental
puppet show, and health and hygiene program. We had a wonderful
opportunity to reach over 500 children in Guatemala through one event.

Once we finalized the dates for our visits, we began coordinating
COMFORT volunteers and departments to solidify the upcoming program.
We were very fortunate to have so many people join the program to have
a successful experience with the children.

Education Program

1st day July 6th
Teeth, Hygiene, Dengue, and Music (Escuela La Ceiba, Escuintla Guatemala)
The UCSD (University of California San Diego) puppet show lead and US
Navy Commander in charge of the COMFORT Dental Department organized a
new cast of 2 US military and 2 UCSD volunteers to play in the puppet
show. This time the audience included over 500 children. It was
challenging to prevent the children from running back and forth
between the puppet show’s and band’s equipment, but we managed to keep
almost everyone in front of the stage.

The program for the day consisted of two shows, one in the morning
school and one in the afternoon. The dental puppet show was first
followed by a hygiene discussion noting hand washing and coughing
techniques. Rotary partners provided a discussion on nutrition and
Dengue Fever prevention. Following the education program, the USNS
COMFORT full rock band played a set for the children. The students
were a bit shy at this school, many students choosing to remain in
their desks. However, a group of little boys joined some Navy and Air
Force members to dance in front of the stage.

The COMFORT Dental Department donated 480 toothbrushes and toothpaste
for students at both schools. There were 535 children between both
schools, so we decided to distribute items to the first school and
give the additional donations to our Rotary partners to match
donations and distribute donations to the second school next week.
This avenue ensured that all of the children at the school would
receive a new toothbrush and toothpaste.

2nd day July 7th

Lunch with the General
In an interesting turn of events, I was requested to attend a luncheon
with General Fraser from US Southern Command. Our collaboration was
noticed at various levels within Southern Command, which is why I was
allowed to attend. There were a few NGOs that attended including
Latter-Day Saints Charities and Project Hope. The General visited the
COMFORT and different mission sites with a large group of
representatives from Southern Command and the Military Group from
Guatemala. It was an amazing experience to meet several new military
officials, NGO leads, and to have an opportunity to describe our
partnership in more detail to different military officials and the
potential that the collaboration holds for future humanitarian
development.

Escuela Canton Puente de Palo
Due to my attendance at the luncheon, I was unable to visit the school
coordinated for the second day. However, just as this mission has
trained many military members for medical response, our partnership
project has trained several military and NGO partners to facilitate
the project. While I was on the COMFORT, the Maritime Civil Affairs
Team and Courtney Lengberg and Nikki Brody from Latter-Day Saints
Charities led the educational program in my absence. The school
received the same programming from different participants and each
volunteer from that day expressed their appreciation for an amazing
time. I was so thankful for their support and happy that they enjoyed
the experience.

3rd day July 8th

Escuela Republica de Japon
We had a wonderful opportunity to bring the COMFORT’s nutritionist and
JAG officers with us for our third day of distributions. We also were
joined by Terry Fitch, a lead and dental hygienist for Latter-Day
Saints. Many times the work schedules of the ship do not allow several
people the opportunity to participate in other projects or
experiences. We were fortunate that this date opened for our new
volunteers to add a new special touch to the educational program. We
still offered the same educational information; however, like we
promoted in other countries when the information is from the
specialist, it is well received.

Escuela Bienestar Social
This school organized three lovely pavilions with decorations for our
visit. Brightly colored streamers lined the outside rim of the tarps
while wooden benches sat in a row beneath the tents. In an effort to
support the school’s organization for the day we decided to do the
entire program outside. The children participated as we reviewed the
information and moved from section to section to engage their
attention. The children, teachers, and schools in Guatemala were a joy
to visit.

A bit of Adversity
Just in case any of you decide to travel here are a few suggestions
from my experience in Guatemala.
1. If you find yourself in a high-paced dynamic environment, make sure
to never take your camera off.
a. Camera was stolen after I left it in our vehicle.
2. Do not…drink anything with ice and stay away from eggs.
a. Caught a heavy case of food poisoning, luckily I was on a medical
ship with IV fluids.
3. Watch out for puddles or any standing water.
a. Caught an animal worm that was carried through water and went
through the mesh portion of my boot.

Not to worry- all is well! We are organizing our last partnership
project for El Salvador.
I cannot wait to return to the states and share more details, photos,
and conversations with all of you! Thank you so much for your amazing
support! We have truly made a difference.

Kari Williams

Education Coalition
CP11-Guatemala

Rotary Club of Escuintla, Rotary District 6980, Give a Kid a Backpack,
Loving Hugs Inc., The Dictionary Project, Samaritan’s Feet
International, Clean the World, the College of Education at the
University of Central Florida, and Orange County Public Schools.

Guatemala Mission:
o Visited 4 schools with 992 children total
o Donations
o USNS COMFORT
 480 Dental kits
 10 soccer balls -Navy Ensign donation
o Education Coalition
 310-backpacks filled with schools supplies, soap, and stuffed
animal; (3 schools)
 190-backpacks filled with schools supplies, soap, and stuffed
animal; Rotary Club of Escuintla- donation for distribution
 19- teacher bags
o 66 USNS COMFORT volunteers: Military Personnel-USNS COMFORT Band,
Navy Medical Training Facility, Navy Air Detachment, Navy Maritime
Civil Affairs, US Army, NGO Partners-Latter-day Saints, Project Hope

Give a Kid a Backpack Arrives in Nicaragua

2011-07-05T18:41:00.000-07:00

The COMFORT anchored within a 10 minute boat ride to the Port of San
Juan Del Sur Nicaragua. Immediately, we noticed a stark difference
from Tumaco. San Juan Del Sur is a resident beach town that receives
many tourists each year, several who visit to surf its shores. There
were several small fishing boats docked inside the harbor. We could
see the beautiful cliffs overlooking the water from our hospitality
boats.

The weather was perfect. We only experienced a little rain in the
morning. I was thrilled to have wonderful weather after experiencing
the storms that affected the backpacks.

Coordination Challenge
There is no Rotary Club in San Juan Del Sur. After working through the
District Governor for Rotary and our main contact in Managua, we were
put in touch with the Rotary Club of Granada. Granada is a city
located only 1 hour from San Juan Del Sur. The Rotarians in Granada
were wonderful and referred us to work with their partner, who is also
a school teacher in San Juan Del Sur. He recommended schools for us to
visit for the backpack project. One of the schools proved to be too
rural for us to visit. Our bus could not make it through the narrow
roads and thick mud to the site. After investigating the schools, we
decided to visit 2 schools for the backpack project and organize a new
program for the 2 other schools.

COMFORT Partnership
Our educational coalition has offered many opportunities for members
of the COMFORT to participate in community projects inside schools
through the shoe and backpack programs. In Nicaragua, we collaborated
with the USNS COMFORT band and Dental Department to develop a new
education and music program for two of the schools.

New Program Development
Since two of the schools that the teacher recommended were not
possible for distributions, I started to look for additional
opportunities to visit schools or orphanages. I discovered that the
band was scheduled to play a concert at a school on June 22. I went to
visit the school, Escuela Intregada de Cultura, with the Civil Affairs
team and learned that the school offered an after school program
through a free community center that provided art, music, and English
courses for the surrounding community. I talked with the directors to
assess their needs and see if there was anything that we could provide
them. I explained that I had some donations that had been affected by
temperate weather and asked if they might find these supplies useful.
They were enthusiastic to take anything, but we encouraged them to
focus their requests due to the timeframe of our visit. We helped
organize a visit on the 22nd for multiple programs and donations.

1st day June 22nd

Donations
I helped facilitate the day’s events by coordinating with the
directors the time and logistics for the different programs. The
directors conveyed to me that they were trying to push an incentive
program for those children who achieve high attendance in the school.
We focused our donations to best serve their programs. While the
dental volunteers and band members set up their equipment, our
partnership donated items directly to the school for their incentive
program. We provided 40 backpacks filled with supplies, stuffed
animal, and soap, 20 dictionaries, 37 pairs of shoes, 11 teacher bags,
40 stuffed animals; additional supplies- 61 notebooks and 20 school
supply kits. They have 80 children in their top attendance list that
will receive the shoes, backpacks, or stuffed animals based on their
attendance and age range. The teacher bag donations will be given to
their volunteer teachers at an upcoming training workshop and the
English dictionaries will be utilized during their evening adult
English classes. The other school supplies will be applied to their
art program or poetry program depending on the quality of the
materials. The directors also requested that we collect large cans,
for a recycled-object music program since they could not obtain
similar cans in town. We collected two large bags full of recycled
cans from the ship’s galley and donated them for their program.

Teeth and Music
A member from the NGO UCSD (University of California San Diego) Dental
Program brought onboard the COMFORT a fully equipped dental puppet
show for children. It was amazing! The dental department, including
UCSD, Canadian and US military sent 4 individuals who played various
roles throughout the play. There was a tooth, floss, toothbrush,
plaque/bacteria, and mouth. All of the characters were adapted in
Spanish. The children laughed along and paid attention to the
material. The children were quizzed on the material following the
performance and were very responsive, answering many questions from
the volunteers.

The USNS band also had a full concert program for children. The band
was wonderful. We provided some health and hygiene programming in
between the band’s intermission. The band members allowed several
children to play alongside them by distributing different instruments
to the children, giving them an opportunity to contribute to the
performance. We also had a unique opportunity to teach the chicken
dance to the children at the school. The children laughed as the music
gained momentum and all of the volunteers and children danced rapidly
to the band’s increasing pace.

Escuela San Francisco
The second school that we visited was across from the main medical
site at the Civic Center in San Juan Del Sur. Many patients waiting in
line to receive services watched as we piled out of the bus with
instruments, boxes, and bags. There were 233 children at the school
waiting for our visit.

The band and puppet show set up outside under awnings near the
classrooms, since this school was mostly open. We had a slight set
back with the power at the school going out; however, the band
adjusted wonderfully. Instead of their being a full rock concert, the
band organized their brass section to finish out the musical program.
Soon many of the children were dancing with the military and NGO
volunteers.

We closed out the day by giving each child and teacher a toothbrush
and toothpaste before they headed out for the afternoon. We also
provided each of the teachers with a teacher bag to say thank you and
gave the school a donation of soccer balls.

2nd day June 23rd

Escuela Sauda Bikerland

Backpacks and Music
Our Rotarian partners from Granada joined us at the school and were
wonderful at helping engage the children. We collaborated to visit
each classroom and provided health and hygiene education while
distributing the backpacks to the children. The COMFORT brass band set
up a concert outside the preschool classroom for the children. After
we finished the educational component, the band played a fantastic set
for the children. We did perform the chicken dance again.

“La Cuesta” Escuela HNOS. Mendoza
Mendoza was a small school of 51 children with only two classrooms.
Since the school was so small, we spent more time inside the
classrooms with the children and teachers. Due to scheduling logistics
with the military, it has been challenging to spend a great deal of
time at the schools which made Mendoza a unique. Each class performed
a song, which was a special treat for the volunteers.

Backpack Donation
We donated an allocation of 224 backpacks and 15 teacher bags to the
Rotary Club of Granada. The Rotarians will be visiting 4-5 schools in
the more rural communities surrounding Granada to distribute the
backpacks. We also donated 80 refurbished backpacks filled with
supplies to a Nicaraguan NGO-Tengo un Sueño for an afternoon project
called the Imagination Federation Inc. at Hermandad Maryknoll high
school in Chacraseca, Nicaragua.

Nicaragua was a beautiful and unique experience.

Thank you Partners!

Rotary Club of Granada, Rotary District 6980, Give a Kid a Backpack,
Loving Hugs Inc., The Dictionary Project, Samaritan’s Feet
International, Clean the World, the College of Education at the
University of Central Florida, and Orange County Public Schools.

Thank you for your support!
Kari Williams
Education Coalition, CP11

Continuing Promise 2011 Briefing Manta, Ecuador Education Coalition

2011-06-03T06:29:00.000-07:00

USNS Comfort Arrives in Ecuador
The ship arrived into the Port of Manta alongside many large fishing
boats. We could see the large tuna being hauled into the air in large
nets and dropped into oversized shipping containers. The beautiful
beach off in the distance was enticing as we ventured inland during
each mission day.

Logistical Coordination
In each country the partnership must obtain approval for the project
from COMFORT NCIS, US Embassy, Military Group for that country,
COMFORT command staff, host nation customs, and other governmental
organizations. In additional to the pre-entry requirements, once the
approval of the project has been obtained there are several internal
layers of coordination that must take place before the volunteers can
visit with the children. We have to plan volunteer scheduling,
transportation, equipment, as well as the needs of the host nation
force protection meals, etc. Each country is different and a
challenge.

Once we obtain the approval for the project and clearance of the
donations through customs, the project can move at a very rapid rate-
this was the case especially for Ecuador. Two days after clearing
customs we had to start with our first day of distribution.
Thankfully, all of the coordination settled and we were off to visit
with the children with a robust program.

Civil Affairs Assistance
The Maritime Civil Affairs Team (MCAT) of the US Navy specializes in
community relations projects and infrastructure building. The
COMFORT’S MCAT agreed to assist me for the coordination of the
backpack partnership in Ecuador. The team was instrumental in
facilitating communication with our host nation partner, the Rotary
Club of Manta. We were able to set up the 3-day distribution in one
day with the logistical support of the MCAT. Our project would not
have been successful without their involvement.

Project Time

Day 1
Our first day was dynamic one small school in the morning and one
medium-sized school in the afternoon. Escuela Sucre, in a rural town
called Pacoche, was comprised of around 45 students. The school was
situated to the side of the community in a bowl at the bottom of a
small mountain.

We arrived with 16 volunteers for the first day. Our team was
comprised of MCAT members, Navy security and food service personnel, a
Latter-day Saints volunteer, a University of California San Diego
Pre-Dental Society (UCSD) volunteer, and members and exchange students
with the Rotary Club of Manta. Two local police force members, who
were providing security, also joined us in the program. There were two
classrooms at this school where we visited with the children and
launched a program including, dental, eye protection, health and
hygiene education alongside hand delivering backpacks to each child.
The first class was comprised of very small children ages 5-8 years
old. Our Latter-day Saints volunteer, Kristen Lee, was fantastic at
engaging the children. She and I worked hand-in-hand along with a MCAT
member to facilitate the program. Once we had finished our first
class, the program became easier as we moved onto the next. The
Rotarians were wonderful with organizing the children, ensuring that
each child received personal time with the volunteers.

We finished the backpack program and the children were set loose to
play soccer with the COMFORT volunteers. As they played in the
courtyard between the classrooms, a few of us gathered with the
teachers inside one of the classrooms. We thanked the teachers for
their work and for allowing us to share time with them and the
children. One of the Navy Lieutenants donated 16 soccer balls for the
entire distribution. We split up the donations and presented Escuela
Sucre with a gift of 3 soccer balls. The time at Pacoche ended with
hugs all around before the rest of the children headed back to their
houses for the rest of the day.

Escuela Fiscal Presidente Velasco Ibarra, Santa Rosa
Our team moved quickly to visit the second school, which was 20
minutes from Pacoche in a town called Santa Rosa. The team set up for
a similar program as in Pacoche; however, we added the exchange of 20
letters with the school’s 6th graders. As part of a new program for
United Nations Association of Greater Orlando, 96 5th graders at John
Young Elementary School wrote letters to their counterparts abroad.
These children in the states are learning Spanish so parts of the
letters were written in English the other in Spanish. One of the
classes comprised of 6th and 7th graders stayed to write letters to
the children in the states. The Rotary exchange students and UCSD
volunteer were amazing at supervising the exchange. We finished off
the first day by spending time with the teachers and Rotarians for a
snack. One of the most memorable moments for me that day was when one
of the boy’s who was using a plastic bag to hold his supplies threw it
aside to place his materials very quickly inside his new backpack. I
asked if he liked his mochila (backpack) and he nodded and smiled.

Day 2
Escuela Eloy Alfavo Delgado, Las Pinas
We were ready for another dynamic day with the children. Escuela Eloy
Alfavo had over 170 students so we decided to visit the school on a
separate day, which worked well for the entire program allowing us to
take our time with each class. We were very close in our time
allocation for the first day so we altered the program to ensure that
we finished on time and spent enough quality time with the children.
The Rotary exchange students and a couple bi-lingual COMFORT
volunteers assisted with the letters with the 6th graders while we
visited the 1st graders with backpacks. The letter team finished with
the letters at the same time we arrived at their classroom for the
education and backpack distribution.
In addition to having multiple military and NGO partners, we had a
Canadian partner nation dental hygienist join us for the program. She
was wonderful with the children, drawing diagrams and facilitating
topics. We discussed the education portion of the program at the
beginning of each visit to the classrooms, which left time for the
backpack surprise at the end. After we finished, we coordinated with
the Rotarians to recount all of the donations to ensure that we had
enough backpacks for all of the children on the final distribution,
which was the next day.

Day 3
Escuela Guadalupe Larriva Gonzalez, Villamarina
Our final project day began with a visit to a co-located pre-school
alongside the school that we were visiting. There were 20 little
children looking up at us as our team moved into their small space.
Each had a look of curiosity and a few looked a bit scared at the
large strangers. The teacher helped welcome us into the children’s
space and once the children noticed the gifts of stuffed animals their
faces brightened with smiles and excitement. Each team member chose a
personal stuffed animal for a particular child and spent time talking
to them. We said our goodbyes to the class and walked over to the
school to prepare for the backpack program.

Escuela Fiscal Villamarina
Villamarina also had over 170 students so we set up the distribution
similar to Las Pinas. We had the Commodore and Commanding Officer join
us for the day. Navy and Air Force volunteers participated as well as
a Latter-day Saints and EDGE Outreach volunteer. Everyone was engaged
in the children and activities. I also met the Rotary Club of Manta
president, Manuel Naurea, who joined us at the school. In addition to
the vibrant program, we finished off the day with a fantastic
performance from the Navy rock band. After we had finished and
presented the teachers with their gift, we proceeded to dance and play
with the children to several energetic songs.

It was a great experience and a successful first distribution thanks
to our partners.

Rotary Club of Manta, Rotary District 6980, Give a Kid a Backpack,
Loving Hugs Inc., The Dictionary Project, EDGE Outreach, Clean the
World, United Nations Association of Greater Orlando, and the College
of Education at the University of Central Florida.

A special thank you to the COMFORT PAO and MCAT teams and Latter-day
Saints Charities.

Thank you for your support!

Kari Williams
Education Coalition, CP11

2011 Continuing Promise

2011-05-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

Give A Kid a Backpack Volunteer Coordinator boarded on April 9 the USS Comfort.
The ship departed from Norfolk , VA on a five month humanitarian mission. The members will be visiting 9 countries throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Updates on the mission

Onboard Training and Partner-
ship

The coalition’s activities began
during the transit to Jamaica as
representative, Kari Williams,
cross-trained with health and hy-
giene partner, EDGE Outreach,
on the organization’s water sanita-
tion and hygiene techniques. Af-
ter arriving in Jamaica, she visited
the main medical site which was
at the National Arena to volunteer
as a member of the EDGE Out-
reach team. For three days, Kari
taught hygiene techniques with
EDGE members to children and
adults passing through the medi-
cal site and handed out water to
patients waiting in line.

Edge Outreach purified and dis-
tributed over 1,000 gallons of
water over the course of the mis-
sion in Jamaica. Their water assis-
tance helped to prevent dehydra-
tion, allowing many Jamaicans to
stay hydrated while waiting for
their medical care. The organiza-
tion provided a tremendous need
to those visiting the American
medical clinic.

International Collaboration and
Capacity Building

Thanks to the wonderful support

of partner organizations, Samari-
tan’s Feet International and the
Dictionary Project, much needed
donations of shoes and dictionar-
ies were distributed to children at
Alpha Boys School, Northstreet
Primary, Mustard Seed Communi-
ties, August Town Primary, and
Harbour View Primary in and
around Kingston, Jamaica.

The Rotary Club of Kingston, the
coalition’s host nation partner,
prioritized these targeted schools
and orphanages to leverage cur-
rent initiatives already in progress
in their community. Once the
partner Rotarians had identified
locations for aid support, mem-
bers of the USNS COMFORT
and US embassy worked to organ-
ize and approve logistical support
for the distribution. Local Rotari-
ans provided feet washing materi-
als, transportation and storage for
donations as well as in-country
coordination assistance. This host
nation NGO support enabled the
US military to allocate its re-
sources for other mission-related
activities, saving both cost and
time for the project’s execution.

Volunteers were recruited from
several areas aboard the USNS
COMFORT. US Air Force, Navy,
Military Sealift Command, and

even the Commodore, Ship’s
Master and Executive Officer
participated in the project as well
as NGO representatives from the
Latter Day Saints. During the two
day project, 230 children’s feet
were washed and 275 dictionaries
were distributed while interacting
with the children, parents, school
staff, Rotary partners, and local
community members. Additional
donations were given to the Ro-
tary Club of Kingston to allocate,
since more time was needed for a
personalized distribution and the
Rotarians will provide long-term
support and follow through.

The coalition had a great start for
CP11 and is looking toward an-
other amazing experience with our
host nation partners, the Rotary
Club of Paita Centro in Peru.

Thank you all for your support
and encouragement!

Kari Williams

Editor’s note: For CP11, the Edu-
cation Coalition represents several
organizations including The Dic-
tionary Project, Loving Hugs, Give
a Kid a Backpack and Samaritan’s
Feet.

Backpacks are recieved with lots of LOVE in Panama

2010-10-26T07:50:00.000-07:00

Continuing Promise

Chiriqui Grande, Panama

Too much to write about..so here are some interesting notes:

Once again our fabulous friend, nicknamed Panama came through with an
opportunity for us to work directly with the Ministry of Education in
the host nation. We were fortunate to not only meet with a ministry
director for the area, but also were able to have a sit down
discussion with the Mayor of Chiriqui Grande.

When I say that we were lucky, that is an understatement. I will
explain further….Prior to our arrival in Panama; our ACE team friend
was able to acquire a listing of schools from the Ministry of
Education for us to research for distributions. We looked at some of
the numbers and decided to visit seven potential schools. However,
once we met with the mayor at the main medical site he suggested that
we visit ten schools instead to reach some that were not supported
previously with aid. The lucky part of the situation was that on the
same day all of his principles from around the area just so happen to
be holding a meeting at the very same location we were meeting.
Panama, our friend, worked some magic and at the beginning of the
principle’s meeting introduced our organization and we were able to
coordinate all ten schools right then and there. We still had to tie
up some loose ends and make sure that our transportation and logistics
worked out. We made sure that we had one driver who knew our routine.
We probably would not have been able to reach all ten schools if the
situation had been different due to coordination challenges; we went
out every day except for Sunday visiting schools.

Panama was amazing! We rode with our backpack troop (12-14 people)
along one main road with mountains, luscious greenery, and even water
buffalo along the side. Our first school would later become medical
site three, it was situated right off of the main road; however, it
was directly on the side of a mountain. It was a beautiful sight.
There were small tiki huts in front of the school for the children to
sit under and along the side of the school there were some family and
farm huts where one could view little yellow and brown ducklings
waddling their way along a small creek that ran down from the
mountain.

The director from the ministry came with us on our first day; she
helped introduce us to the principle and helped facilitate the day’s
activities. We moved from classroom to classroom with our marine
volunteers, who enjoyed their interaction with the children. The
director organized several treats for us. Panama was the first country
where almost every class had a performance or demonstration for our
group. Standing on the front porch, so to speak, we all gathered along
the edge and in a semi circle with the children across from us to wait
for what surprise was in store for us. The first graders began with a
performance utilizing vowels. Each of them had a large piece of
cardboard tied around their neck with string and sang their vowel when
it was their turn. It was so adorable! Next, we had several songs
performed from the second and thirds graders as well as a short play
about helping others and friendship. For the first time, we decided
that we should perform for the children in a different way. Yes! We
(all of us) decided to sing and dance the “Hoky Poky” as well as “If
Your Happy and You Know It”. Well, the truth being that the marines
were a bit hesitant, but then they soon jumped in and sang along. The
children got the biggest kick out of the visitors from the states
jumping, clapping, and singing just for them. It soon became the
program for the week as with each new school-the children would
share/perform and so would we.

Our group was able to visit all of the ten schools, some being very
small and remote. One of my favorite memories comes from the last day
of our Panama backpack journey. Usually, at each school there are a
couple of little girls who become my good friends and we share smiles,
laughs, and hugs. On the last day, there was one little girl who was
so loving. I kept running into her as I moved between each classroom
since she would wait in the walkway for us to pass by. I decided to
briefly teach several of the little girls some ballet after we had
distributed the backpacks and so we moved over to their concrete
courtyard. We played and practiced ballet positions and twirled in
circles-since every girl likes to spin We had fun. This school was
along the beach and being from Florida I decided I needed to see the
water up close. As I walked along the edge of the school, I found my
friend peaking around the corner of the wall alongside the school’s
outer perimeter. I soon learned that my friend had a small
house/wooden right behind the school and on the water. Her mother
greeted me and welcomed me into their space. Their family used this
house, which she purchased two years ago due to the fact that they
lived two hours away from the school. Her mother wanted a place for
the kids to rest until they were able to travel back to their home. We
shared stories about family and it was lovely to see this sweet little
girl playing with the new stuffed animal that we were fortunate to
give to her as well as to see a glimpse of their life. The people in
Panama were so friendly and the children were thankful. I believe that
the backpacks and our presence were truly felt there.

As Van Halen screamed..so did we PANAMA..AAAA! Just for the fam..

Continuing Promise Blue Fields, Nicaragua

2010-10-10T14:31:00.001-07:00

Continuing Promise

Blue Fields, Nicaragua

Day 1-3 Assisting at Medical Site 1:

I was excited to be back in Nicaragua. Last year, I visited Granada
with GKB and was hoping to return in the near future. I was fortunate
that CP10 scheduled a visit to Nicaragua, so I was able to fulfill my
wish sooner that I had expected.

This country was very different from the previous visits since the
military was only able to utilize helicopters for operations. There
were fewer individuals able to go into Nicaragua; however, I witnessed
a great deal of work completed at the main medical site despite fewer
staff. The military also arranged for many individuals to remain in
country overnight, which increased the mission’s capacity.

I was able to work check-in processing of patients at the main medical
site for three of the ten day visit. The set up included three large
tents that were connected in the middle and rows of chairs underneath
for patients; this was a makeshift waiting room. We split up the
sections into optometry, dental, general medicine, and pediatric care.
The sun was pretty intense at times and there was a lot of movements
as patients were escorted through the gates at one end of the school
compound. The Nicaraguan military helped organize a system where they
would pre-screen patients outside and provide numbered tickets to
track volume and facilitate efficiency. We provided bottled water for
those in the waiting area; the water was much needed since the heat
was so intense. I met some wonderful Nicaraguan Red Cross volunteers,
who helped me to check-in patients and translated symptoms that I
could not understand.

The last day that I assisted at the medical site was hectic at times.
I found myself moving through the rows of patients, one minute to the
next asking questions to help process their information. Before I was
aware, I almost fainted on my Red Cross friend. We laughed as I had to
grab his shoulder to stay standing. I cannot emphasize enough how
important hydration is in these situations. I feel like a person can
become so involved in the work that he or she is doing and forget to
watch out for themselves. I was having such a good time talking with
the families and I also wanted to process as quickly as possible-that
I just forgot to drink in between patients. I learned my lesson that
day and continued to make a more conscious effort to drink more water
while working.

El Bluff, Nicaragua

Day 4 Island Backpack Delivery:

We had one backpack delivery in Nicaragua, due to the challenges with
logistics. If not for the Marines (MAGTAF) we would not have been able
to deliver any backpacks in Nicaragua. We were so thankful that one of
the Lt. Colonels mentioned that the marines were training near a
school in a very small rural community called El Bluff. Once we
discovered that there might be an opportunity to visit the school and
handout backpacks, we were so excited.

A fun and interesting twist to the distribution was that we would have
the opportunity to ride in a Nicaraguan speed boat to the island with
our supplies. The gears started turning and we began to organize the
distribution. The marines provided all of the information that we
needed; we even received a detailed map of the area and where we would
be landing! The marine chaplain also agreed to come with us; he is a
balloon animal expert- and was able to make swords, flowers, and dogs
for the children. The kids absolutely loved it!

On the big day we met our party where the military offloads many
things. That day we were offloading ourselves by climbing down a rope
ladder, it was so much fun-I love climbing on anything. The marines
also helped offload our backpacks by tying a rope around each box and
individually lowering them to the awaiting boat underneath. Great
teamwork! Soon we hopped into the boat and sped to shore. We were
moving so fast that my small earrings were sideways and I thought that
my glasses would snap at the sides. I originally thought that we must
have been going 100; however, later I was informed of my gross
overestimate as we were going around 50-which is still very fast.

When we arrived to the dock in El Bluff there were more marines
waiting to help us carry our supplies to the school. I would say that
we looked like a trail of ants carrying our boxes down this paved
sidewalk through a neighborhood. We arrived at the school and the kids
were energetic to see us. We started with the pre-schoolers as normal
and moved up the grade levels. Each student received a greeting, thank
you, and backpack. I apologized for my broken Spanish; however, the
students seemed to understand me and forgave me since I tried.

I made two new friends with these (amigas), who kept finding me after
each class. They were so adorable and loving. They enjoyed smiling and
one was able to take some pictures using my camera. It is amazing how
quickly a child can learn from just simple demonstrations. A group of
kids also posed showing their strength by flexing their muscles- this
reminded me of kids I had worked with in the states. As they picked
each other up, each one wanted to demonstrate their strength. They
loved showing everyone what they could do and laughed along the way.

We said our goodbyes to the director and teachers. I said my goodbye
to my two little friends. As I was leaving the marine chaplain laughed
and yelled as all of the boys he made balloon swords for made him
climb the flag pole. It was hilarious!
We walked back to the dock and waited for our clearance to return back
to the ship. Before we left, the Nicaraguan Navy gave us a tour of one
of their flag ships- it was very modern and impressive. I was glad to
see that they had a vessel of this caliber.

We jumped into the speed boat and headed back to the IWO. This time we
went faster and one of the Nicaraguans allowed a marine Captain to
drive. We flew over the water- I was smiling the entire time, which
even produced a bit of drool on the side of my mouth- you know the
kind when you are moving too fast to control it! That is pure fun and
life! It was a great day- Hoorrahhh!!!!

Guatemala

2010-09-27T06:16:00.001-07:00

Continuing Promise

Puerto Barrios, Guatemala

Day 1 Scouting for Schools:

Due to the fantastic coordination of the ACE Team, we had obtained a
listing from Guatemala’s Minister of Education including the priority
schools for the area. Our next step was to investigate each school to
confirm if the numbers that were provided were correct. We needed to
make sure that we had the correct number of backpacks for the
students.

The day began with a ride on a Landing Craft Unit, we arrived to a
beach port of the local Navy-it was very pleasant similar to a fishing
port I would say. There were even old boats on either side of a gravel
path leading away from the main road; some had so much overgrowth you
would believe them to be there for several years. There was also a
canoe storage made of leaves, which reminded me of the Bahamas.

We rode to medical site 1 to await our transportation for the day. We
hopped into our van with our Guatemalan military escorts and headed to
a listing of sites that were pre-screened. The first school that we
arrived to was listed to have 285 students total; to our surprise when
we arrived they had well over 500 students. We were so thankful that
we had the opportunity to verify the number; otherwise we would have
been short quite a bit. We decided to focus on smaller three rural
schools in Puerto Barrios and were able to schedule the distributions
with the principles-we were so excited to work directly with the
schools. All of the schools had no grass, playground, or substantial
materials. We had a feeling that this experience would be amazing.

Day 2 Caserio Del Mitch:

Our intuitions were correct-the children were so loving and
appreciative. We had a few marines join us as well as Lyndsey Hodges
from the Greitens Foundation to help distribute backpacks, stuffed
animals, and some toys donated by Heather, our pediatric nurse friend
volunteering for Project Hope. We began by giving the pre-schoolers
stuffed animals, they were so cute and shy. They grasped onto the
animals with a look of curiosity, like “who are these people and why
are they here?” Their teacher helped to raise their level of comfort
and soon they were smiling.

We were surprised as after only our first class, some little first
grade girls started giving each of us Fantas-(My favorite). Orange and
grape flavored goodness! Their only water source was a pipe on the
edge of the property so to receive soda demonstrated a great
appreciation for our visit. We thanked everyone with hugs. The kids
loved pictures, especially with their friends-which gave them the
opportunity to throw peace signs behind unknowing friends’ heads-as
well as hugs. Each class did not want us to move on to the next class,
so they would attempt to keep us around by asking for more hugs and
photos. Each class had a few children that would wait outside the
classroom doors for us to swing back by for more questions and laughs.
We continued to each class, we finished the distribution in the
morning and distributed in the afternoon as well.

The kids loved their bags and toys. One of the marines played soccer
with the kids, he was all over the place-funny thing is the kids were
running circles around him. He was a good sport though trying his best
to keep up. So, I watched some girls walk over to the water spout and
fill up a water balloon. I was a bit confused because it was only one
balloon and in some areas they might drink water this way. However, as
it turned out the girls were plotting to throw it at someone but did
not know who to hit. My thoughts were to throw it at one of the
marines-of course. I pointed to two of the marines that had been
helping us out and they immediately all chose David, the marine who
was playing soccer. We all gathered in a crowd and approached his
position slowly. He had no idea what was coming. On command one of the
girls launched the water balloon, but unfortunately she completely
missed aiming at his feet. David, the marine, was still caught off
guard and we all laughed at the attempt. As we were leaving the
school, the children gathered around the windows of the van laughing,
yelling “Adios”, jumping, and waving us on our way. They were going
crazy! There was so much energy everywhere, I was sad to leave such
wonderful children.

Day 3 Escuela Barrio Mixo Rural:

We had five marines join us for our second distribution in Guatemala,
each time we try to get different marines that have not had the
opportunity to visit the countries prior. We arrived at our
destination and the kids were laughing from each of the classrooms.
You could sense that they were just waiting for their turn. The school
was settled in between buildings, the lot seemed similar as to where
you might see a residential space. However, they had managed to
construct an open space for the children to play despite limited
space.

We lined up the marines in four rows, the system worked well for
directing each kid up to the marine waiting on his knee with a
backpack and high-five. One of the marines and I grabbed some toys
that were donated and went down the lines passing out one to each girl
and boy. It was a little treat on the side. Janina did a fantastic job
organizing the classes and directing the children. Once we had
finished distributing to the children, the principle requested
additional backpacks for a few children that were absent. We were more
than happy to oblige. The principle and cook were also kind enough to
provide each of us with a chicken-sub sandwich and a local soda. We
felt so thankful to have received such a gift. Food really makes me
happy! We talked and hung out with the children for an hour or so
afterward. The children started taking some of their new notebooks and
pens and were requesting autographs from each of us. It was so
cute-one of the marines exclaimed “I’m famous, I’m famous” as he was
surrounded by children saying por favor (please) sign my paper. With
just a simple signature, we were able to bring additional smiles to
the kids, something small but impactful.

Day 4 Escuela Barrio Mixo Rural- El Lara:

Our third school had a wide courtyard with a concrete space for soccer
or basketball, with a little bodega (store) on the side. It was
convenient for the children to have the ability to walk a few feet to
delicious snacks and drinks. It was brightly colored due to the
Coca-Cola endorsed sides, which was interesting as the stands seemed
to be a running theme-we saw similar ones at medical site 1 which was
a high school.

We had a veterinarian technician Jill (World Vets) and a nurse Brooke
from (National Nurses United) join our team for the day, along with
the marines that volunteered. We had to move quickly since the
majority of the distribution had the students standing in a line
outside as we rotated in and out to hand deliver the backpacks. It was
also a national holiday for Guatemala so the schools were all letting
out early. The scene ended up resembled an assembly line with
exchanges of pounds (fist to fist) between the volunteers and
students. There were a lot of older students at this school, finishing
out the sixth grade a bit later. There response to the donation
included a cool handshake and smile. We met with the director and a
few teachers before our departure and gave them some teacher satchels
and hugs. Next, we jumped in our red van and headed back to the
medical site for a change over in personnel.

A Naval Ace Team member (a friend by the name of “Panama” who is
amazing) helped us to coordinate our distribution in Guatemala and was
able to facilitate a donation for us to a small orphanage as our last
stop in that journey. When we pulled up to the orphanage all of the
kids were in their eating/meeting room where the military volunteers
were painting as part of their community relation project or Comrel.

There were bright blues and purples throughout some of the rooms with
Disney characters decorating the walls. It is amazing to see how much
Disney is integrated around the world, being from Orlando it reminds
me of home and also how lucky we are to get the opportunity to see it
in person.

One of the girls took me on a tour of their living quarters; it was a
concrete building up the hill with some pink paint. It was not obvious
at the time; however, later in a meeting on the ship I learned that
they did not have running water for a few months before the Navy came
and fixed their water pump. The girls slept in beds all in a row with
a variety of sheets and blankets. I remember wondering how it would be
to sleep in a building all concrete with nothing for windows but bars
and a ripped screen to keep out the critters at night. All of the
children were sweet.

We gave all of the children backpacks and left some extra for some
children that were not present. Due to the kindness of the other NGO
volunteers and some military we were able to collect some donations of
toiletry items (soap, shampoo, etc.) and clothing (shoes, pants,
shirts) prior to our visit to give to the children. Every little bit
helps and goes a long way. It was great to see the director’s
appreciation. As we pulled away from the orphanage all of the children
and adults stood in the entrance waving, smiling, and laughing. While
we all said goodbye, I knew that there was a great impact there and
hoped to surely return to Guatemala one day.

2010-09-18T05:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

We are leaving Guatemala right now-and it was the best distribution
experience. The children were loving and appreciative. Lots of smiles and hugs.

We have approximately 1275 backpacks left, and they are moving to push
bigger drops starting in Panama, since the military is having a
difficult time with Nicaragua.

We are extremely limited with transportation since all of it will be via
helicopters.

Our US Navy have every intention in helping us be successful and get all of
the backpacks distributed amongst the last countries.

More updates coming soon.

Warm wishes,

Kari Williams

Continuing Promise Limon, Costa Rica

2010-09-13T10:34:00.000-07:00

Continuing Promise
Limon, Costa Rica

Day 1 Engineering Site 2, Hone Creek School:

Stepping on Costa Rican soil was very different from the countries
that we had visited before-we walked right onto the dock in Limon. The
security and hoops that we had to jump through in Costa Rica was
astounding, it is amazing how difficult it was to receive clearance
for a medical mercy ship. However, with all of our passes in hand we
were ready to check out our options.

Our first day was an easy-flowing investigation to set up future
distributions. This time we looked toward working at the engineering
sites, which were schools, to partner and provide backpacks and
supplies. Once we loaded up on our bus around 6:15-6:30am we rode out
to a school on the outskirts of Puerto Viejo called Hone Creek. As we
pulled into the school with the Naval engineers, we noticed there were
a few children hanging around the site even though school was not in
session. I had a great time practicing the English and Spanish
versions for different fruits, while the children laughed at my
temporary memory loss. The principle for the school is Francisca, what
an amazing lady. We set up our distribution for a few days later,
dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s for the logistics. Francisca was
amazing at providing us the information that we needed and helping us
to organize the children.

Day 2 Engineering Site 2, Hone Creek School:

The big day was fantastic! For the first time in Continuing Promise,
we were able to have 10 marines come out with us to help give the
children backpacks and stuffed animals. They were wonderful. Once the
military got used to the process and was comfortable with the
children, high-fives and hugs were flying as we went through grade
levels. There were so many smiles and the marines brought a tremendous
asset to our team. Our friend Casey McCausland was wonderful again,
helping us to keep count of the actual distributions and getting us
the supplies that we needed to be successful. The navy, who were
painting the school, even jumped in here and there to get a piece of
the backpack action. Everyone really enjoyed their moments with the
children.

Another very important task for us that day was to ensure that the
teachers received their bags. These bags were more like satchels, made
out of leather in nice shades of blue and maroon. For the teachers,
the principle allowed us to present them their bags in front of their
students. A few of the marines and Janina and I walked from room to
room, and in some cases outside (classrooms), to give these lovely
ladies their gift. Having a mother for an educator, sometimes it is
difficult to explain in words just how much teachers mean to me,
hopefully the hugs, handshakes and smiles conveyed the respect and
love that we have for these ladies. Being with them that day reminded
me of my mother and warmed my heart to be spreading her love to in
Costa Rica.

The day moved on and we found ourselves saying goodbye, but not before
Francisca provided us an amazing opportunity to return later on that
week. We were invited to return for a closing ceremony-and we were not
going to miss it!

Day 3 Engineering Site 1, Westfalia School:

Janina and I decided to get creative for our second day of
distributions. We wanted to increase our efforts so I went to an
elementary school and Janina went to an orphanage. In the morning, we
walked onto the pier like before; however, I found a surprise of 10
marines waiting to come with me. It was so funny to me because
Westfalia was a very small school, yet in need of support and I had
almost one marine to a child. The marines were wonderful though, they
were so happy to be in Costa Rica as I asked and it was many of their
first times in the country. I was so thankful to have the opportunity
to work with them.

We arrived at the school and had a warm-hearted welcome from the
family that lived next door to the school. My new friend opened her
home to all of us. All of us sat in what I would call her front porch
area; she even brought out coffee and bread and butter for all of us.
It was amazing, Costa Rican coffee-fantastic. We tried to repay her
kindness, but she would not hear of it, not even allow me to help wash
the dishes. She was wonderful and so were her daughter and
granddaughter. Fortunately, her granddaughter liked the stuffed
animals and toys we had, it was a pleasure to see her enjoy playing
with them.

At 9:00 we moved into the temporary classrooms where the principle,
who is the only teacher, was instructing the children since the school
was being renovated by the naval engineers (SeaBees). When we walked
into the class the children greeted us with a big Buenos Dias and lots
of smiles. The marines lined up on one side of the room with the
children lined on the opposite side of the room. Each marine
personally helped the students put the backpacks on and each child
received a stuffed animal as well. It was such a cute site. The
children moved back into a line and the marines that worked with them
moved to stand next to their new buddy. All at once we instructed the
children to look inside the backpacks and the marines helped them to
check out their new supplies. The children were so excited, similar to
a reaction that you might see on Christmas morning.

Once the children had a chance to check out their backpacks, we
decided to move to another activity to give the children a chance to
learn and teach. The director told me that the children already knew
how to count through 1-10 in English and we decided to teach them
11-20. With the marines on one side and the children on the other, as
a Spanish and English number conductor we went through all of the
numbers. Each group had the opportunity to state the numbers in
English in Spanish. At the end of the number symphony, both the
marines and the children had learned something new. It was a lot of
fun! The children decided to teach us all some of their favorite games
and so we played with them for the rest of the day. The marines even
volunteered to help serve the children lunch, which made the meal
easier for the director.

Day 4 Engineering Site 2, Hone Creek School:

The day had come for us to attend the ending celebration with
Francisca and her wonderful school. It was not until the last day of
our celebration that I she told me that she wished to run an orphanage
as well as the school. Not only does this amazing woman bring
education to children she opens her home; she took in a baby at the
age of 19 to care and give that child a chance for a better life. I
was in awe of her.

The day started off with a game of red light green light with the
children. It was so great to see the children so excited to run, walk,
stop, and run again till they reached home base (which was us waiting
to give them big hugs). Many parents and students came to support the
celebration. The teachers passed out American and Costa Rican flags to
several of the children and they loved taking pictures with their
flags. A stage was set up with speakers, a keyboard, and some plants
for decoration. We were walking around when a marine came up to us and
said, “she wants me to sing the national anthem”. He looked a bit
panicked, but all in good fun. It turned out that one of the teachers
had asked him to sing because they had one of their students singing
the Costa Rican national anthem. Well, with ten minutes to spare I
said I would sing with him if he liked-he ended up bailing and another
naval officer jumped up there with me and we sang together. I enjoyed
it, even though I was so nervous because I had never sung the national
anthem; however, “when in Limon” why not right?

The celebration continued with each grade level presenting a different
skit, dance, or song. There were the kindergarteners singing and
waving their hands to the older students dancing around the stage.
Commander Negus and several other Continuing Promise officials watched
the celebration with such appreciation, you could see on their faces
how they were soaking up the experience and loving it. The final
presentation was Francisca presenting the project leaders with
decorative plates to say thank you.

Loving life- and as they say in Costa Rica “PURA VIDA” or pure life!!!!

Continuing Promise-Colombia

2010-09-05T21:16:00.000-07:00

Covenas, Colombia

Day 1 Medical Site 1:

The first day in Colombia began with a premier event-my first military helicopter ride! What an amazing beginning to a new adventure and new country. I had wanted to visit Colombia for quite some time. We gathered our materials and ventured toward the shore on our metal bird. Looking at the water below and the coast not far off, I thought how did I get here? We landed on a Colombian military base off the coast and jumped onto a nice, air conditioned bus-very different from Haiti – and headed to medical site 1.

My volunteer job for the day was to help translate Spanish for the ophthalmologist and her medical team and to help facilitate the pre-screenings for the eye surgeries on the ship. I had such a wonderful time greeting and helping the Colombian patients receive services. Fortunately, I received additional help from several Colombians from Bogota, who volunteered to help translate more advanced Spanish at the site. The team worked throughout the day and visited with around 20 patients. There were a few who met the qualifications for the screenings and were scheduled for surgeries. We wrapped up the day with smiles and loaded the bus to head back to the ship. We caught a landing craft unit (boat) back to the ship and I watched the sunset as the day faded into the sea-loving the unique opportunity, love Colombia.

Day 2 Medical Site 1:

My second day began with a boat ride to shore; we landed on a beautiful beach. I wanted to stay there and hang out under the tiki huts, but also was excited to get to help with the screenings again. As I arrived to the medical site, I was so happy to be in Colombia again. The night before I had created a new system to help keep the patients in order using cardboard numbers. I have to give credit to my friend Casey who helped cut the squares. The system worked great; as the assistants called each patient by their numbers we could keep track of who needed what screening. Each patient had to be screened at three stations; it was fun and dynamic trying to keep everyone in order. The team finished selecting patients for surgery and we ended the day with a nice trip back to the ship on the landing craft unit.

Day 3 Medical Site 1-Give a Kid a Backpack Delivery 1:

Our third day in Colombia started well with a ride to the beach. This time we had to get some help from military to hand carry our backpacks and Loving Hugs stuffed animals to shore. It was fun balancing the boxes on my head while walking through the water. We missed our bus but fortunately were able to catch another bus ride with the Air Force band. The band helped us load and offload our materials. We were ready to get started with the distribution. We set up in the check out area, so that when the children passed by with their parents we were able to give them a backpack or animal depending on their age. The smiles on the children’s faces were wonderful. In the early afternoon, we received notice that there were some school children standing outside by the stage area who might need backpacks. We were told that there were around 40 children total. We decided to take 40 backpacks outside and give them to the children. Janina headed onto the stage to make an announcement to the children about the distribution. Well, soon afterward we had tons of children from everywhere coming to receive a backpack. It started to rain as we moved faster and faster to hand out the backpacks. If the Colombian military was not at the scene, we would have been overwhelmed by children and parents. Surprisingly, the parents were the most unruly, pulling and tugging on our clothes to get our attention. We understood that they just wanted to get additional backpacks for other children not in the area. However, to be fair we decided that the children who were present were the ones who would receive the backpacks.

We continued to hand out backpacks to the children coming through the checkout and toward the end of the day we finished. We had several stuffed animals, which finished not too long after the backpacks. It was interesting to see how many adults were interested in the stuffed animals.

After we finished we went back outside the compound to hear the music that was playing and to see what was going on around the stage area. We received a big surprise as there was dancing and Janina was pulled onto stage while I filmed. It was awesome! Later on we both danced with a Colombian dance troop during their performance, we had a blast.

Day 4 Medical Site 1-Give a Kid a Backpack Delivery 2:

We had some help for our second distribution in Covenas. One of the members of the Navy joined us by helping sort materials and handing them out to the children. We had a great time, she was a natural. The children enjoyed their gifts. We made new friends and had fun taking pictures with all of the Colombian students who were escorting patients as well as our military and the Colombian translators. It was our last day in Covenas. The people were so warm and friendly. Three little boys that were brothers became very special friends of mine. Throughout the last two days we would joke and practice English and Spanish. As I was leaving, they gave me a small wooden table with their names etched on it with a piece of paper saying do not forget us. I could never forget these boys. They were so full of life and kindness. I hope to be able to see them again one day.

Don Gabriel, Colombia

Day 1 Medical Site 3:

Our adventure began with a helicopter ride through the Colombian mountains to a remote medical site a couple of hours off the coast. The ride was beautiful; Colombia has rich green foliage and rolling hills with beautiful farming land in between. We touched down in the far end of a plowed field. The funny thing was that we were hurried off the helicopter; however, we could not run due to the mounds of clay. The helicopter pilots decided to push our supplies off just enough to drop them the rest of the way down. It was a funny sight to watch the materials slide out of the back of the craft. However, some water filtration packages busted in the process. We walked to grab some materials. I grabbed my backpack, our night bag and a case of water. I definitely had my hands full. There were Colombians waving from the fence surrounding the field. I was caught off-guard by what happened next- as I walked with all my gear I stepped into a muddy hole and my shoe was swallowed. I stood in disbelieve at what just happened, my friend Casey said “did you just lose your shoe”, I laughed and said yes. I moved with purpose to get to the camp and help carry our backpacks. Many people joined in to grab our materials. We arrived at Med site 3, which was at a school in Don Gabriel. It was amazing! There were Naval engineers working on buildings, children running around playing soccer, US Air Force Band members getting ready to play, and locals everywhere. There was life everywhere. We finished dropping off our materials and toured the site. I hung out with lots of local adults and children. They pardoned my Spanish, since I am still learning and know I sound funny talking. The day moved on and we waited for the next move. The camp was situated with two rows of while tents facing each other. There was volleyball net in the middle and latrines at the far end-thank goodness. Just kidding Actually, as a side note the United Kingdom-made port-o-johns flushed, who knew! They were pretty amazing if I might say. We learned that we would be dropping off materials the next day and spent more time adjusting to this dynamic environment.

The night could not have been more amazing. Our Air Force Band started off a musical medley. My attention was especially peaked when they played Stevie Wonder’s Superstitious, a favorite. Next, came a Colombian rap trio. I could not understand much but they rocked that reggaeton? probably not spelled right-beat. The last band was my favorite as they played typical music and I learned to dance bianato-probably spelled wrong-for the first time. We danced for two hours, funny thing was not that many people danced-I thought why not right? The night ended and so did my intense dance work out-showers-ha-no showers, just baby wipes baby!

Day 2 Medical Site 3:

We experienced an interesting thunderstorm in the Colombian mountains the night before. Needless to say there was little if any sleep; however, we awoke to a beautiful day for giving out backpacks. We munched on some readymade meals and hung out at the camp. When the time arrived for our distribution, we hopped into a truck with some Colombian marines and we rode out to a remote school which was situated pretty far from the main town-well if you did not have a car. I waved and smiled at all of the marines that protected our way along the curvy, dirt road. We arrived at our school and the kids were already lining up. There were a few donations being distributed, our backpacks and some hygiene kits as well as some additional folders. It was like Christmas. Some Naval engineers jumped in to help us and the distribution went well. We hopped back on the truck and rode back out to the Med site. We were able to take a tour of the nearby town, which was nice. A sweet lady allowed us access into her bamboo made home, it was an art piece.

Once back at the site we distributed stuffed animals, candy, and some bracelets. We decided to let the Colombian marines handout the candy because we were getting grabbed on all sides again-crowd control very important. Everyone received something and was pleased. We said goodbye to our friends and loaded onto a helicopter back to the ship-what a fantastic time with the kids camping!

Continuing Promise-Haiti

2010-08-10T21:09:00.000-07:00

U.S. military aboard the USS IWO JIMA and partnering nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) provided aid to the people of Haiti. There were two towns that were the focal points of these services, Port-De Paix and Saint Louis De Nord. US partners constructed medical, veterinary, and engineering sites throughout the two cities. The scene was very diverse and dynamic.

First Day Out-Community Relation Project

Port De Paix, Haiti

As the Landing Craft Unit arrived ashore, we saw many Haitians standing in rows to watch the sight of hundreds of American military, NGOs, and partners offload onto their seashore. The people of Haiti seemed intrigued when they first saw us. We were so happy to be in Haiti even though we had to wade up to our waist in contaminated water to get there. The sight was overwhelming with beautiful mountains of luscious greenery in the backdrop, and various piles of trash below your feet as you walked closer toward the UN compound.

We had finally arrived in Haiti- it was quite an experience! After spending nights aboard the ship we fluttered with excitement to see these wonderful people and to have the opportunity to restore their hospital the L'Hopital Immaculee Conception De Port De Paix. We caught a brightly colored bus and bounced along to the hospital site. We were given a unique opportunity to work side by side with Naval shipmates to paint and clean a popular town hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital we noticed how busy the worksite was, with military building, cleaning, and preparing materials. The Haitian people watched from all around. Little children played in the streets and in the hillside.

The time had come, after our briefing we suited up in a loaned doctor’s coat to prepare for our painting experience. We grabbed our paint and brushes and set ahead to climb the rooftop of the hospital. Of course, we would climb onto the roof, why would we not? As a team we launched a full paint attack, a couple of us on the ledge to get the walls and others on the side of the roof for efficiency. Looking down from the ledge’s side, a navy man says “well if you fall aim for the table”, we share a laugh. It was funny to think man, you better not slip on one of these tree nuts or you are history girl. Soon after we realized that the paint would not take in some places on the side, we decided it would be wise to get back to the main rooftop.

We moved from the roof to paint inside each of the rooms of the hospital. Under the lab coats we were cooking, but the marines made sure that we drank plenty of water. We took turns painting the rooms, everyone pitched in to complete the effort. We finished up the painting and started to clean up the area. Our hands, glasses, pants, and cameras were covered in green and white paint, which came off nicely when we utilized our deet lotion as paint removal.

Children started to come closer to the hospital and play with the soldiers. Even during our lunch break a soccer game erupted. The children were wonderfully entertaining with their soccer skills and smiles. Many of the children bested the marines, which was quite entertaining as well.

As the day came to a close, we sat with several Navy members on the steps of a church next to the hospital site. Looking around at the city, we could not believe that we had finally made it to Haiti and how wonderful it was to be there. The people are in such need, but they smile. Their resources are scarce, yet they are resourceful. We knew that we had a great deal to learn from these people and that we would be back someday in the future.

Second Day Out-First Give a Kid a Backpack Project

Saint Louis De Nord, Haiti

The day had finally arrived for the backpack ladies on the ship to exercise their mission. We were so excited to be fulfilling a project. We arrived ashore the same way as the day before, but this time with a specific purpose in mind. We jumped onto another brightly colored bus and bumped along the streets for a couple of hours till we reached a missionary called the Northwest Haiti Christian Mission. We had a blast passing out a total of 128 pairs of brand new shoes, 105 different styles of backpacks, as well as a few baseball caps and toy cars. The donation from a partner Brazilian company had a great impact on these friendly and warm people. One lady came with no shoes and left with a pair of sandals. Seeing her walk around afterward was wonderful.

All the children were ecstatic to see all the items we brought for them. After they received their gift they all began to sing to us in Creole. Their amazing voices filled us with joy and reminded us of the meaning of simple happiness. The Northwest Haiti Christian Mission is an amazing place for Haitians to receive help. Some of the services which are being provided are meals, maternity care, eye check-ups, surgery, and pharmacy. They also have an orphanage for children under the age of 5 and some senior living quarters for their elderly. Haiti is one of the poorest countries we have ever seen; however the people are slowly beginning to rebuild their community. Our time is Haiti was brief, but thankfully Give a Kid a Backpack was there and we left with new friendships and wonderful memories.

Please read how a new friend was touched by his experience with Give a Kid a Backpack in Haiti:

“On august 1, 2010 I was afforded the opportunity to go out with two members, Kari Williams and Janinatt Viteri, of the “Give a Kid a Backpack” organization to distribute shoes and backpacks to children and young adults at the Northwest Haitian Christian Mission in St. Louis De Nord, Haiti. After getting to the mission and setting up to distribute the bags and shoes we were swarmed with children and young adults of all ages that happily and graciously received the items we had to hand out. This was especially touching to me because it reminded me of the humanitarian drops that I did as an Army Civil Affairs team leader in Afghanistan. After all the backpacks, shoes, and a few hats and toys were handed out one of the young Haitian men gave us a tour of the mission where we met elderly people that greeted us with open arms and smiles, as well as numerous babies and infants that we had the chance to hold and play with. Overall the day was a great success, and I feel that we touched the lives of all of the people we came in contact with. I was so happy to be a part of all of it and hope that I will have the chance to work with the “Give a Kid a Backpack” organization in the future.” Casey McCausland, former Army Captain new GKB volunteer and friend.

Continuing a Promise in 2010….

2010-07-25T12:41:00.000-07:00

Sunday July 25, 2010,

Give a Kid a Backpack’s (GKB)

Continuing a Promise in 2010….

About the mission:
“Continuing Promise is an annual humanitarian civic assistant
operation supported by U.S. and international military medical
personnel, U.S. government agencies, regional health ministries,
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and U.S. academic institutions.
The relationships which are built amongst our partners help to preserve
peace and stability with Central and South America and the Caribbean
region.” (USS IWO JIMA, 2010).

Our passion:
No matter where we live, obtaining an education is very important.
Education is structured to teach us how to read, write, and calculate.
Education challenges a child so that they can be well prepared for
society. In the U.S. we are very privileged to be provided with a free
education. In certain parts of the world, children are not able to
attend school because most families cannot afford entry fees and/or school supplies. In some cases, families choose not to promote education to their children because they need additional income by allowing their children to work.

On July 19th 2010, two GKB volunteers, Janina Viteri and Kari Williams, embarked on a fascinating humanitarian trip on behalf of “Give a Kid a Backpack”. The entire trip lasts for a total duration of 4 months! GKB is joining forces with the U.S. military on a special mission called Continuing Promise. GKB is thankful to our donors and volunteers, to have the opportunity to distribute 4,000 backpacks filled with school supplies between Costa Rica, Guatemala, Guyana, and Colombia.

Since July 20th, we have been adjusting to the way of life aboard a Naval vessel. As civilians, sometimes it is difficult to imagine what our military experience every day. We have been given a window into the lives of all of our branches of military on the ship, U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, as well as the U.S. Public Health Service, and Department of State. As we grow in our understanding, we see more similarities amongst all of the partners aboard the USS IWO JIMA. We are excited to learn from all of the fascinating and experienced players in this grand collaborative mission. Never have we been a part of such an impressive and inclusive operation! We are looking forward to our upcoming project in Haiti, where we will be distributing shoes and bags to the amazing people who need our help and support.

For those of you interested in knowing a little more about our experience so far on board the USS IWO JIMA:

We share most of the ship as if we were in the military. There is a respect level that I have not experienced before during missions, as the military utilizes a code of courtesy. Our living quarters resemble bunk beds- in the military they are referred to as racks. They are quite cozy once you get used to them. As expected everything is on a particular schedule, which allows an organized approach for coordinating efforts. As we wait to finalize our mission in Haiti, we have been focusing on getting settled and helping out where we can. Having seen our helicopters take off the flight deck with ocean surrounding the ship, we realized…..we are not in Orlando anymore!

More from Haiti soon,

Janina & Kari

Press Coordinator

2010-05-10T08:23:00.000-07:00

Press Coordinator

Give a Kid a Backpack Special Edition | Granola and Hip

2010-05-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

Give a Kid a Backpack Special Edition | Granola and Hip

Local Volunteer Traveling to Middle East

2010-05-07T08:50:00.000-07:00

Local Volunteer Traveling to Middle East

Give a Kid a Backpack Volunteer Chosen for Rotary International Exchange

(Orange County, Fl) (April 27, 2010) –Rotary Foundation has selected five young professionals from the Central Florida region to participate in a group study exchange program in Israel. In four to six weeks, each team member will experience Israel’s culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.

Kari Williams, a veteran Give a Kid a Backpack volunteer will be shadowing local Israeli nonprofits as part of this cultural and vocational exchange. “It has been fascinating to volunteer and bring educational materials to Nicaragua, Honduras, and Central Florida. I am blessed to have these experiences. More individuals should pursue these international opportunities through Give a Kid a Backpack and the Rotary Foundation”, states Kari Williams.

The team leaves May 9th and returns June 10th.

Central Florida Israel Exchange Team

Nicole Gelfert, Lindsay Hodges, Kristin Winer, Jon Thomas, Kari Williams

“This is a great way to build relationships and understanding overseas and I am excited to follow the teams experience”, Rosanna Kingston, President Give a Kid a Backpack.

Individuals interested in following the team should visit the website followusinisrael.com.

# # #

Give a Kid a Backpack is tax deductible 501(C) (3) nonprofit organization that works towards enriching the lives of impoverished children around the world with backpacks filled with school supplies through the partnership with individuals, organizations, and other nonprofits. For more information, visit http://giveakidabackpack.org.

Volunteer Open House

2010-05-05T13:00:00.000-07:00

Volunteer Open House
May 12 & 15 2010
8018 Sunport Drive Suite 206
Orlando, FL 32809
9am-1pm

RSVP 877-452-7225

Recycle with Give a Kid a Backpack

Announcing the Clean Out for Kids Campaign

Kick Off Earth Day

Lead Partners: Orange and Lake County Public Schools

(Orange County, Fl) (April 19, 2010) - The Give a Kid a Backpack organization is proud to announce its county-wide recycling drive, the Clean Out for Kids Campaign.

The recycling campaign will focus on collecting and distributing reusable school supplies within schools to provide needed materials to local and international children. The campaign will kick-off on Earth Day April 22, 2010.

As of today the campaign will include eighty four schools participating throughout Lake and Orange counties.
Last school year, twenty five schools collected over 2800 pounds of reusable school supplies. Volunteers cleaned, sorted and repackaged these school supplies for children in need. Give a Kid a Backpack goals is to collect over 7000 lbs. of reusable supplies.

Summer Volunteer Operation Schedule

June 14-July 18

Wed 10am-3pm
Thurs 10am-3pm
Friday 10am-3pm
Saturday 3rd Saturday of the Month

Location: 8018 Sunport Drive Suite 206
Orlando, FL 32809

2010-04-21T19:25:00.001-07:00

Give a Kid a Backpack needs 100+ volunteers this summer to help pack backapcks. Families, kids, adults, grandparents are welcome. more info coming soon.

2010-04-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

Give a Kid a Backpack
Visit GKB booth at the Earth Day event at Lake Eola this Saturday April 24 from 10am-4pm. Hope to see there!

Guatemala 2010

2010-04-19T19:30:00.000-07:00

Give a Kid a Backpack is back from delivering 398 backpacks in Guatemala. Thanks JFT Bravo for helping with the logistics. Awesome time! Check out the pics!:)

Alternative SpringBreak/ Vacation

2010-04-19T19:27:00.001-07:00

Combine fun with service on alternative vacations. While spring
breakers are heading to the beach for a week of partying, others are
choosing to spend spring break volunteering.
This spring Give a Kid
a Backpack offered students the opportunity to travel to Ni...caragua and
Guatemala to help deliver 1000 backpacks filled with school supplies.
The volunteers

had the opportunity to help others, learn about the culture and sight
see. After returning from the trips, students thought it was the best
experience of their lives. Give a kid a Backpack alternative
vacations
are public-service-oriented trips, that focus on volunteerism and
educational issues awareness. Students earned service learning hours by
participating in the various activities.

For more information call 877-452-7225 or vist www.giveakidabackpack.org.

Clean Out for Kids CampaignKick Off Earth Day Lead Partners: Orange and Lake County Public Schools

2010-04-19T19:26:00.001-07:00

(Orange County, Fl) (April 19, 2010)
– The Give a Kid a Backpack organization is proud to announce its
county-wide recycling drive, the Clean Out for Kids Campaign. The recycling campaign will focus on coll...ecting and distributing
reusable school supplies within schools to provide needed materials
to local and international children. The campaign will kick-off
on Earth Day April 22, 2010. As of today the campaign will include eighty four
schools participating throughout Lake and Orange counties.Last school year, twenty five schools collected over 2800
pounds of reusable school supplies. Volunteers cleaned, sorted and
repackaged these school supplies for children
in need. Give a Kid a Backpack goals is to collect over 7000 lbs. of reusable supplies.

“Engaging students to give back to others and learning about recycling is important in their
development as responsible, caring citizens,” said Sandra Stacy Director of Give a Kid a Backpack.

Companies and individuals interested
in donating school supplies or receiving information should call (877)
452.7225 or log onto http://giveakidabackpack.org.

JTF-Bravo, Give a Kid a Backpack: working together to help children of Honduras

2010-04-19T19:25:00.001-07:00

JTF-Bravo, Give a Kid a Backpack: working together to help children of Honduras

Posted 3/5/2010 Updated 3/5/2010 Email story Print story

by 1st Lt. Jennifer Richard
Joint Task Force-Bravo Public Affairs

3/5/2010 - SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras -- Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation and Joint Task Force-Bravo teamed up Feb. 23-26, traveling the Honduran countryside and distributing more than 1,000 backpacks to children in need.

This is the third year that the foundation and JTF-Bravo have worked together toward a common goal--providing assistance to Honduran people in order to promote development in the region. Together they have delivered about 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies.

"I feel strongly that many of the problems around the world are because of a lack of education," said Rosanna Kingston, founder and president of the Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation. "Hopefully a backpack full of school supplies will encourage children to continue their educations."

The Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation, which began as a family project in 2003, has delivered about 39,000 backpacks to 14 countries, including the United States. In Honduras, the foundation's work is in line with JTF-Bravo's mission of promoting prosperity and stability in the Central American region.

"This project is an example of how JTF-Bravo can partner with a non-governmental organization to provide assistance in the community," said Army Maj. Jorge Cintron, JTF-Bravo Civil Affairs Director. "With the help of JTF-Bravo, the Give a Kid a Backpack team was able to visit hard-to-reach areas of Honduras and give the backpacks to children most in need. "

JTF-Bravo facilitated the backpacks' distribution by providing transportation to and from the remote Honduran sites. Service-members stationed at Soto Cano Air Base drove sport utility vehicles, contributing their knowledge of the region and of local driving conditions. Additionally, members of JTF-Bravo assisted in giving the children their new backpacks, along with many smiles and high-fives.

"It was a nice experience for me, as a member of the military, to be out there representing the goodwill of the United States," said Air Force Capt. Dave Hein, JTF-Bravo Personnel Recovery Coordination Cell Director, who helped distribute backpacks Feb. 26. "That is really why we are here--to build relationships with the people in the Central American region and show them that we care."

The villages that received the backpack donations were selected according to their need, based on coordination with local government leaders as well as the United Nations World Food Program. Students and their families traveled for up to several hours to attend the backpack distributions, some walking barefoot, some riding in backs of pick-up trucks and some riding mules or horses.

"All of the Honduran people we spoke with were happy with the help we provided to the children," said Major Cintron. "Some of the teachers told me that now, thanks to the backpacks and school supplies, more than 1,000 students will be able to go to school. They were very pleased."

JTF-Bravo and the Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation look forward to continuing this project in Honduras in years to come. It is a win-win partnership in taking something as simple as a backpack and making a difference in the life of a Honduran child.

"Backpacks are practical, inexpensive and easy to give to the children," said Ms. Kingston.

"By JTF-Bravo working with Give a Kid a Backpack, we are helping children pursue their educations and also building and strengthening relationships," said Major Cintron. "I hope that JTF-Bravo and Give a Kid a Backpack not only continue this program in Honduras, but that we keep building on it in hopes of distributing more and more backpacks each year."

2010-03-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Nicaragua 2010

2010-03-22T17:24:00.000-07:00

Give a Kid a Backpack deliver 580 backpacks in collaboration with five volunteers from Texas, La Esperanza Granada, Empowerment International and Hotel Corazon.

2010-02-03T12:09:00.001-08:00

Tents for Haiti Drive Feb 1-20

2010-02-03T11:53:00.000-08:00

Announcing

Lead Partners: Give a Kid a Backpack and Clean the World

WHY: The Give a Kid a Backpack and Clean the World nonprofit organizations have team up in the relief efforts to Haiti. Many earthquake victims have been displaced and don't have shelter. Give a Kid a Backpack has decided to focus only on temporary housing for the earthquake victims for the upcoming weeks.
The goal is to help raise 500 tents, so families have shelter and are not separated. Any new or gently used "4 men" or larger tents and/or large tarps are being collected.

The Give a Kid a Backpack is asking for monetary contributions of $35 for a brand new tent. Donate online: www.giveakidabackpack.org

WHEN: This drive will run February 1st through Saturday February 20.
WHERE DROP OFF:

Warehouse
8018 Sunport Drive Suite 206
Orlando, Fl 32809(M-F 9-5pm)

Venetian Cove Marina
250 Ball Park Rd
Leesburg, 34748 (M- Sun 8am-5pm)

Child Development Center of Orlando
11553 County Rd 535 Orlando, FL 32836
Mon- Fri 8-5pm

Reliable Medical Training LLC
4945 South Orange Blossom Trail Unit 2
Orlando, FL 32839

Value Place
161311 SR 50
Clermont, FL

Value Place
4125 Clarcona Ocoee Rd
Orlando, FL

Value Place
10401 South John Young Parkway
Orlando, FL 32837

Value Place
216 South Goldenrod Road
Orlando, FL 32807

Value Place
2727 South Orlando Drive
Sanford, Fl 32773

Value Place
4000 North Florida Ave
Lakeland, FL 33805

Value Place
4120 E. Silver Springs Blvd
Ocala, FL 34470

Celebration Community Center
851 Celebration Ave
Celebration , Fl

2010-02-01T07:51:00.000-08:00

Give a Day and Get a Disney Volunteer Opportunity

2010-01-21T16:38:00.001-08:00

Give a Kid a Backpack has another Give a Day and Get a Disney opportunity. GKB is seeking volunteers to help pack and load boxes to a truck. Date Monday Jan 25. Hours 10am-12pm. Must register at disneypark.com. Give a Day and Get a Disney. Search under zip code 34711 and Education & Technology.

Immediate Relief effort for Haiti

2010-01-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

Immediate Need
Relief Efforts to Haiti- Help Today!

Give a Kid a Tent

Give a Kid a Backpack and Clean the World have team up in the relief efforts to Haiti. Give a Kid a Backpack is starting a drive for tents.
" Give a Kid a Tent".

Thousands of families have been displace by this disaster and are in need of shelter. Rain is in the forecast. GKB goal is to provide 500 tents. Please sponsor a tent for $35.00. A tent will shelter 4 people.

Donate at www.giveakidabackpack.org or call 877-452-7225.

Please help us spread the word.

Forward this email to family and friends. Help us help 2000 people.

Give a Day Get a Disney Day

2010-01-20T17:00:00.000-08:00

13 volunteers helped on Martin Luther King Day pack 587 backpacks.
The volunteers helped pack and fill the backpacks with school supplies.
Awesome Job!

Volunteers wanted!

2009-12-14T08:30:00.000-08:00

Feb 21-27 Honduras $300 (includ. lodging and transportation only) March 13-19 Nicaragua $850(includ. meals, lodging,transportation &activities) April 2-9 Guatemala $975(includ meals, lodging, transportation &(airfare FL only)) Call 877-452-7225 or email rosanna@giveakidabackpack.org for more info.

Shop with the Cop

2009-12-14T07:41:00.000-08:00

On December 13 over 300 backpack were handed out to children in need at the Shop with the cop event. Thanks West Orlando and South Orlando for supporting this event.

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-01T19:27:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

In the past few months I have started to clean out the closets, shelves and basement of all the clutter that we have accumulated throughout the years in our home. I couldn’t believe the amount of stuff we have collected. As I put aside clothes that haven’t been worn in years or that the kids have out grown, cell phones chargers that belong to our first cell phones (ten years ago) or toys that my son hasn’t played with in years, I saw more and more boxes filled to the top. There was stuff everywhere. Some of the items will be donated to Goodwill. Others will be sold at a big garage sale early next spring to raise funds that will help GKB 2010 projects.
As I packed and taped boxes, I started to think about what I would need to buy for Christmas. You guessed it: more stuff! The irony is that I ‘m getting rid of old stuff to make more room for new stuff. How can I find a solution to this problem?
We live in a world where not all people live in abundance. Some can’t even afford shoes, healthy meals or to send their kids to school.
As the holidays approaches and more people are starting to think what they will to they give their love ones, instead of giving more stuff, why not donate to GKB in honor of someone. It would be a great gift to a teacher, spouse, child or friend. You can also give in memory of someone and we will be glad to send the family a card notifying them of your gift in their name and the project it will be used to support. It will be a gift that will help a child have the tools to learn rather than yet more useless stuff cluttering the someone's garage.
I hope you will consider contributing to Give-a-Kid-a-Backpack this holiday season. On the back of this newsletter you will see different ways and amounts to contribute. Thank you for your time and support to help children worldwide break the cycle of poverty by encouraging education.

Sincerely,

Rosanna Kingston

UPDATE

2009-08-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

With impact fees preventing more than 104 million children around the world from attending school, Give a Kid a Backpack (GKB) a nonprofit agency in Central Florida works to make a difference in these children’s lives. Their mission is to enrich the lives of impoverished children around the world with backpacks filled with school supplies through the partnership with other nonprofit organizations.

This year GKB launched the Clean Out for Kids Campaign (CKC), which is a new initiative that empowers youth to recycle their gently used school supplies. These supplies, that would have otherwise been thrown away, were collected from schools in Lake, Orange, and Seminole County. Twenty-five schools participated and the campaign collected a total of 2,879 pounds of donations from the community, reducing waste and the impact on the planet, while providing children with the tools needed for an education.

Volunteers from local high schools, elementary schools, and their families logged 285 hours cleaning out supplies and putting together a total of 7,150 backpacks for distribution to children; the backpacks will then be given to students in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Africa, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Local organizations such as Rotary, Haven, and the Orange and Seminole County Sheriff Departments will be distributing 1,500 of those backpacks in Lake, Orange, and Osceola County alone.

Give A Kid A Backpack would like to thank the community for their involvement in the Clean Out for Kids Campaign this year. Due to the success of the campaign, GKB plans to continue the program next year and encourages all schools to start collecting now in an effort to provide tools for education to children in the United States, underdeveloped nations, and aid in the preservation of our environment.

Give a Kid a Backpack handsout 10,000 backpack in the Central Florida Area

2009-08-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

People began to gather outside the Amway Arena about 6 a.m. By 8, thousands were in a line stretching blocks long. By 9, the doors opened to about 10,000 people. They weren't there for a Magic game or a concert. They were there out of desperation, hoping to receive free backpacks, free immunizations, free school supplies and other items to help make the upcoming school year a bit more affordable in a tanking economy. Give a Kid a Backpack help hand out 10,000 backpacks. Children also received haircuts and health exams and other services and enjoyed entertainment.

Clean Out for Kids

2009-07-12T22:50:00.000-07:00

With impact fees preventing more than 104 million children around the world from attending school, Give a Kid a Backpack (GKB) a nonprofit agency in Central Florida works to make a difference in these children’s lives. Their mission is to enrich the lives of impoverished children around the world with backpacks filled with school supplies through the partnership with other nonprofit organizations. This year GKB launched the Clean Out for Kids Campaign (CKC), which is a new initiative that empowers youth to recycle their gently used school supplies. These supplies were collected from schools in Lake, Orange, and Seminole County, that would have otherwise been thrown away. Twenty-five schools participated in the campaign collecting a total of 2,879 pounds of donations from the community, reducing waste and the impact on the planet, while providing children with the tools needed for an education.

Volunteers from local high schools, elementary schools, and their families logged 285 hours cleaning out supplies and putting together a total of 7,150 backpacks for distribution to children in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Africa, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Local organizations such as Rotary, Haven, and the Orange and Seminole County Sheriff Departments will be distributing 1,500 of those backpacks in Lake, Orange, and Osceola County alone.

With all that they were able to achieve this year, GKB hopes that more schools will be participating in next years event to continue the effort to provide for children’s education, both in underdeveloped nations and right here in the United States, and help in the preservation of our environment.

Need Volunteers

2009-06-08T04:47:00.001-07:00

Give a Kid a Backpack is seeking volunteers to help sort and pack schools kits and backpacks.

Great family, youth or camp project!

Dates and hours of operation
Tuesday-Thursday 10am-2pm

June 9-11
June 15-18, 20
June 23-26, 27
June 30

1331 Green Forest Court Unit 10
Winter Garden, Fl 37487

Call 877-452-7225
rosanna@giveakidabackpack.org

Volunteer Corner

2009-05-21T12:27:00.000-07:00

From March 5-15I got to travel with the Give a Kid a Backpack Foundation to Nicaragua. With very minimal Spanish background, certain parts of the trip proved to be a bit confusing. Fortunately, I was always able, and offered plenty of help with the language barrier from our group leader, Rosanna as well as Ms. D (a high school teacher from Montverde Academy that joined us on our trip).

The trips that this organization plans are exceptional; a perfect combination of humanitarian aid mixed in with experiencing the culture of the country. We were able to visit the houses of some of the children from the schools we visited, which was an eye opening experience. A Nicaraguan family of twelve will live in a space equivalent to the average size of an American kids room. I vividly remember visiting one of the family’s houses. The house was build entirely of wood scraps, with only torn up sheets dividing the rooms. Most of the family slept on the mudded ground while the others had mattresses made from straw. The house conveyed just how little the people had.

While delivering the backpacks there were times that we got to just hang out and play with the children. The hardest part of the trip was not any of the work involved, nor having to leave family and friends. The most difficult part of the trip came when it was time to say goodbye to these kids whom had just become friends, not knowing if you would ever see them again.

An entire world exists beyond the borders of our American country that desperately needs our help. I hope and pray that this foundation will receive the support it needs to continue in helping school children all over the world. On the Give a Kid a Backpack trip I had the experience of a lifetime, learning things that could not be possible without actually living them.

Brent Rempel

Tools for School 2009

2009-03-21T08:04:00.001-07:00

Nicaragua 2009 Delivery

2009-03-20T20:42:00.000-07:00

Nicaragua 2009 Pics

2009-03-20T20:41:00.001-07:00

Upcoming Mission Trips

2008-11-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Trips

Honduras- Comayagua
Feb 15-21

Nicaragua- Granada
March 5-13

Mexico 2009
March 16-21
$807
Royal Caribbean

GKB By Kidz November Meetup

2008-11-12T16:48:00.000-08:00

GKB BY KIDZ CLUB

On October 25 Give a Kid a Backpack had its first kids club meeting. New members shared ideas on how to help children in need. Also new members helped pack 100 backpacks with school supplies. Next meeting will be on November 16 @1pm at 2105 Hartwood Marsh Rd Suite 6. For more information call 877-452-7225 or email info@giveakidabackpack.org.

NIGHT GOLF

2008-11-12T16:46:00.001-08:00

HELP KIDS ONE SWING AT A TIME!

On Saturday November 22 Give a Kid a Backpack will be hosting it's 2nd Annual Night Golf Event at the Legends Golf Course.
Cost is $50 per player and it includes all glow items and meal. Foursome preferred. Bring a backpack and receive a free mulligan. Space is limited.
For further information please call 877-452-7225 or the Legends Pro Golf Shop 352-248-1118 or visit www.giveakidabackpack.org
http://sites.google.com/site/nightgolf4charity/

ACES FOR CHILDREN EDUCATION! TEXAS HOLD EM POKER TOURNAMENT Friday October 24

2008-09-11T13:46:00.000-07:00

Texas Hold'em Tournament was a Success!

On October 25 Give a Kid a Backpack had its first Texas Hold'em Tournament. On behalf of Give a Kid a Backpack we would like to thank the volunteers and the businesses that made the event a success: Circuit City, Days Inn of Clermont, Hitch & Time, Chevy's Fresh Mex, Chipotle, Legends Golf, Orange National, Golf, Wallaby Ranch, Mimi's Cafe, Macaroni Grill, San Jose's Restaurant, Cracker Barrel, Golden Corral, Sugarloaf Mountain Golf, Hold'em or Fold'em, Metro West Golf, Outback Steakhouse and Cypress Gardens. Pictured from left Bill Shinker, Rosanna Kingston, Griselle Ellin and Nicole Kazmareck

tools for school

2008-09-01T14:17:00.001-07:00

2008-08-13T08:55:00.000-07:00

Thanks Office Depot for Supporting the Community!

On behalf of Give a Kid a Backpack we would like to Thank Office Depot Foundation for the contribution of 500 backpacks. The contribution will help with the efforts of Give a Kid a Backpack and Rotary District 6980 to deliver 1,850 backpacks to children in need through the Central Florida schools and nonprofits.

In 2008 Give a Kid a Backpack has delivered 3443 backpacks to children in need in Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, California and Texas.

Give a Kid a Backpack is a volunteer base nonprofit organization that helps children in need around the world. Since 2004 GKB has delivered 21,795 backpacks.

Thanks Office Depot for Supporting the Community!

2008-08-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Thanks Office Depot for Supporting the Community!

On behalf of Give a Kid a Backpack we would like to Thank Office Depot Foundation for the contribution of 500 backpacks. The contribution will help with the efforts of Give a Kid a Backpack and Rotary District 6980 to deliver 1,850 backpacks to children in need through the Central Florida schools and nonprofits.

A total of 3443 backpacks has been delivered backpacks to children in Florida, California, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky and Texas.

Give a Kid a Backpack is a volunteer base nonprofit organization that helps children in need around the world. Since 2004 GKB has delivered 21,795 backpacks.

Collecting School supplies July 19- Aug 3

2008-07-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

Rotary, Office Depot and Give a Kid a Backpack has partner to collect supplies for underprivileged children in the Central Florida schools.

Volunteers Needed to help pack at:

Montverde Academy Chapel
17235 Seventh Street
Montverde, FL 34756

Schedule

Sat Aug 2 9am-12pm
Sat Aug 9 9am-12pm

VOLUNTEER CORNER

2008-07-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

What can I say? Going to Costa Rica was amazing. Everything that we did, I will never forget. Many people see advertisements on TV about the poverty in different countries and say to themselves “that’s so sad, I want to help them.” However, many people do not actually do what they think. That is sad because by me actually going to the indigenous community really opened my eyes a lot. The activities we did along the way were so much fun. One day we hiked up a mountain to see the volcano, which was beautiful. Another day we traveled four hours to Limon and went to the beach. Later that night we all got together and thought of a way to pack the backpacks in an organized way. When we figured that out we started packing and it took us about an hour and a half. Packing those backpacks was fun because we all laughed and bonded. The next day we started delivering the backpacks. While handing them out to the local children we also interacted with them and had conversations in Spanish with them. We would ask them questions like “what is your name?”, “how old are you?”, “what do you like to do?”, things like that. Showing them the pictures we took with them and seeing their faces when they got the backpacks touched my heart in so many ways. One of the places we went to we got to play soccer with them and that was so much fun. They were willing to teach you how to play and we were able to see what they do in their free times. After that, one of the little boys brought us to his house and we got to look around. The house was made out of wood, with three bedrooms, and seven people living there. They had no air-conditioning, or electricity. It is definitely not your ordinary house. The amazing thing is you couldn’t tell they were unhappy, I always saw smiles on all their faces. It makes you think because even though they don’t have a lot they can be happy, so it makes you appreciate so much more in life. A scary part of where they live is that they live very far from the city and don’t have much around them. If they needed to get to a hospital, it would take them awhile which I think is bad and I wish a hospital could be built near them.
Another community we went to was the Yorkin tribe. The only way to get there is by an hour and a half canoe ride. As we were in the canoe we would have to get out every once in awhile to help push the boat out of the shallow parts. That was definitely an adventure. When we got there, we handed out the last of the backpacks to the kids and then they showed us the tourist spot they’re building. I was so impressed with them because the buildings have showers, bathrooms and beds. We got to eat lunch there and the food was so good. The people there were so welcoming and willing to show us how they live. It’s not everyday you are able to meet such kind and generous people.

I will never forget this wonderful experience. Knowing how they live and how little they have, makes me appreciate life and how much I have. It also makes want to help more people in need and possibly go on more trips with Mrs. Kingston because seeing the smiles on the kid’s faces is a smile I will never forget.

Chelsea Strickland

VOLUNTEER CORNER

2008-07-31T06:35:00.000-07:00

COSTA RICA

My trip to Costa Rica can only be described as impacting on my life. On this trip I was able to see many beautiful things, but also I saw some things that made me sad. When our group was down there I was able to walk around San Jose which was amazing to see the open markets and walk around the parks to see the statues they held. Then after we had left the city to head toward the coast in Limon I was able to see the beautiful country side on the ride, which was just lush green vegetation and gorgeous rivers. Then after we had arrived we were able to step out on a beach that had a view that a person would find in a magazine where the water was a deep pretty blue color and with waves some surfers only dream about. Then being able to do a zip line canopy tour was one of the best parts of the trip being able to see the beautiful rainforest from with in and the thrill of zipping through high in the air, and a personal favorite was being able to see a wild monkey. These things were able to strike me in awe, but not as much as the villages that we had visited, which was our main reason for going. The villages struck me in awe not because they were extravagant, but rather because most Americans would not be able to live there happily as the people who did live in those villages could keep joy. Though in these villages that did not have the modern luxuries that all Americans do such as clean water from the tap easy to access electricity and functioning toilets, the residents were happy people. The most amazing sight I was able to witness on my trip was with out a doubt was the look on the faces of the students we gave backpacks to because something so small gave them smiles as if they had just been given keys to a beach side mansion. Then after seeing this I was told that they might not get simple school supplies more than once a year, which affected me because I know if I need another pen or pencil I can just go pick it up and it is not thought as an expense. This shocks me the most because you hear about poverty and you believe that it exists, but you have no clue to how real it is until you can witness it first hand. This trip for me was unforgettable not only because I got to go on a nice vacation, but also because I was able to help someone that truly needed it and that was thankful that I had taken my time for something that in American eyes would not have been considered much.

Justin Walls