Back in March, our upstairs neighbor and friend, Mara, kicked off a campaign to collect books and shoes for a women and children in Paraguay that have sought refuge from abuse at Melita's Home. Here is some background on the home from their website:
In 2008 Melita W, a Paraguayan Mennonite, opened Vientos de Esperanza, a home for girls. Her specific purpose was to care for abused girls, of which there are many here in Asunción. There are now 30 girls living with her. They range in age from 2-18 years old.
The wave of abused girls being sent to Vientos de Esperanza has now exceeded the confines of one house and another is in the process of opening. Next to the original home is a small school under construction. The youngest girls attend this school while the older ones attend schools nearby. All of the girls study in the building after school.
Once they leave the home, these girls have the chance to go to college and are connected with places of employment. These books will increase their career building opportunities to ensure that they never again have to work in the sex trade. They are now in a position to receive the education many of their mothers weren't allowed.
Many of the girls arrive at Vientos de Esperanza malnourished, hurting, and physically uncared for. Their shoes often break, or they outgrow them without any replacements available. They typically wear rubber flip-flops and sneakers.
Our goal is to collect at least 500 books and 500 shoes in three months. We will be collecting books through events held here in Asunción and will buy books using the monetary donations of compassionate contributors.
We are a month away from that deadline and have collected 118 books and 128 pairs of shoes. Please be in prayer about how YOU can get involved in the project. The link below will take you to the project's website, complete with a link to PayPal where you can make donations toward shoes and/or books. With the cost of shipping being so high, it is much more efficient for us to buy the shoes and books here with your support.
Thank you in advance for your help with this worthwhile endeavor!
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