MISSION AND OUTREACH

Children of The Americas has been working with needy children in the U.S. and Central America for almost 30 years. Our primary mission is to keep impoverished children fed and in school so that by the time they have reached young adulthood, they are healthy, can take their place in life and pass that opportunity on to their children, breaking the cycle of poverty.

To accomplish this for the children we serve in Mexico, we operate two dining rooms and two before-class nutrition programs at local schools in the colonies southwest of Tijuana. These programs provide a nourishing breakfast to over 500 children a day with the realization that a good breakfast helps them focus on their studies rather than their hunger.

Additionally, we provide school supplies and scholarships and other equipment such as computers to as many children as resources allow.

We also work with the children and their families, from building dining rooms, school houses, repairing individual homes, providing blankets in winter, household items, clothing, furniture, etc.
But the primary tools are daily nutrition and school supplies and related educational aid. Annual donations to Children of The Americas has hovered around $750,000 in cash and in-kind gifts (time and materials).

We are careful to maintain our administrative and fundraising costs at below 5% annually, an exceptionally low figure, as most of our help is voluntary. More information can be found at these websites: www.americaschildren.org and at www.guidestart.com.

Laurel House (In Progress)

News on Our Loaves & Fishes Ministry

 Six adults, one teen and two children from St. Michael & All Angels went to the Loaves and Fishes soup kitchen in Santa Ana on Saturday, December 16, 2006, to help children make crafts at their annual Santa Party.

Approximately 200 families with 625 children attended the party. We all had a tremendous amount of fun! The children made picture frames in the shapes of snowmen, reindeer and Santa Claus for their family photos that were taken with Santa at the party. In addition, they made angel Christmas tree ornaments, angel collages, and colored pictures that celebrated the birth of Jesus.

For most of the families, this party is the highlight of their Christmas. Toys were given to the children. Cans of coffee, items of clothing and gift cards to Target were given to the parents.

Many thanks to those of you who shared in the spreading of the joy of the Christmas season and to parishioners who donated coffee, gift cards and money this month!

Tammy Smecker-Hane

tsmecker@cox.net for the

Mission Commission

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Aids Care Teams (In Progress)