Sponsors Needed Part 1

Melody Hichoonga- 11 years old Sex: Female Child #7
*NOT SPONSORED*
DOB: January 4, 1999 Sex: Female
She is in the 4th grade and speaks English and Tonga
She lives with her mother with 6 brothers, and 3 sisters in Moonga.
Favorite Subject: Tonga
Future Career: Teacher
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Pastime: Netball
Chore: Washing dishes
Health: Good

Nosiku Chabwa- 9 years old. Child #8
*NOT SPONSORED*
DOB- April 20, 2000 Sex: Female
She is in the 4th Grade and speaks English and Tonga
She lives with her mother, 1 brother and 2 sisters in Moonga
Favorite subject: English
Future Career: Teacher
Favorite Color: White
Favorite pastime: Netball
Chores: Cleaning house
Health: Fair

Happiness Makoye- 12 years old Child #25
*NOT SPONSORED*
DOB: March 2, 1998 Sex: Female
She is in the 5th Grade and speaks English and Tonga.
She lives with her both parents, 4 sisters and 4 brothers.
Favorite Subject: Math
Future Career: Nurse
Favorite Color: Orange
Favorite Pastime: Netball
Chores: House cleaning
Health: Fair

Getrude Musenje- 10 years old Child #27
*NOT SPONSORED*
DOB: December 3,1999 Sex: Female
She is in the 4th Grade and speaks English and Tonga.
She lives with both parents and 5 brothers in Naleza.
Favorite Subject: English
Future Career: Nurse
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Pastime: Netball
Chores: Washing plates
Health: Good

Eunister Mubambabu- 15 years old #39
SPONSORED!!!

DOB: January 1, 1995 Sex: Female
She is in the 7th grade and speaks English and Tonga.
She lives with her uncle, 2 brothers and 3 sisters in Mbozi.
Favorite Subject: English
Future Career: Teacher
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Pastime: Reading
Chores: Cleaning house
Health: Good

Juma Chinyama- 8 years old Child #67
*NOT SPONSORED*
DOB: October 2, 2001 Sex: Female
She is in the 3rd grade and speaks Tonga.
She lives with her grandmother, 1 brother, and 1 sister in Moonga.
Favorite Subject: Math
Future Career: Teacher
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Pastime: Soccer
Chores: Cleaning house
Health: Fair

Kasamba Choonya- 9 years old Child #71
*NOT SPONSORED*
DOB: March 11, 2001 Sex: Female
She is in the 3rd grade and speaks Tonga.
She lives with her grandmother 1 brother, and 5 sisters in Naleza.
Favorite Subject: Math
Future Career: Teacher
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Pastime: Netball
Chores: Cooking
Health: Fair

The 7 sweet girls are in need of a sponsor. They are part of a brand new sponsorship program that has partnered with the MAC Group! To see a more detailed post about the sponsorship program, visit the Child Hope Zambia Blog.

There are currently 78 children in need of sponsors- with an additional 3,520 waiting to be signed up for the program! There are 3 different types of sponsorship based on the grade level of the child. These girls are part of the primary program that only costs $9 a month for sponsorship. Sponsorship provides them with health benefits, hygiene kits, school supplies, school uniforms, school shoes, clothes, school fees, and more!

Child Hope Zambia has been helping children in the southern Zambian province for over 10 years! They provide children with 2 meals a day, HIV/AIDS awareness, health support, Income Generating Projects, communal gardens and a lot more! They have never had a sponsorship program until now. This sponsorship program will provide the children not only with the above physical items that I listed, but, it will, also, give the children a mentor and hope for the future!

There are another 71 children besides these 7 that need sponsors as well. They can all be found on the Child Hope Zambia blog on the upper left hand side of the page. You will see tabs that say "Sponsor a Girl", "Sponsor a Boy", and so on.

The great thing about having Child Hope Zambia as a Make a Change partner is that we can mold the program to what we would like to see. For example, do any of you have ideas on letter prompts that can be put on the primary child's letters to their sponsor? Something that will get the child to open up about himself and share his talents and ideas? I would love to hear it! I would like to have some letter writing templates in place by the middle of May so that these children can start writing their sponsors!

A Letter from Mwanza

I got a letter from Mwanza today. This is what he wrote:

"Dear Mrs. McLaughlin

I am fine with my family. It's nice to hear that you are doing fine there in Texas. Here the weather is cold because of the rains. Here in Kanyama there are, also, floods, so we don't move up and down. I am glad to hear that you are a teacher of 2 and 3 year olds including Morgan. I am well and happy. I am sending you lots of love.

Your beloved,'

Mwanza"

Franklyn's Raffle

Don't forget, there is a raffle attached to Franklyn's fundraiser! You can win a free massage! To enter the raffle, please donate here

Getting Ready for Christmas!!

I know it is still too early for Christmas, but just a few months from now will be just the right time to send Christmas packages to the field! This year, the packages will help our fundraisers tremendously!! All of the items that will be available for purchase will be donated items!! That means 100% of the money you send to purchase the items go directly to our fundraisers!! There will just be a different way to pay the divided shipping costs between the sponsors.

I expect this project to be much bigger than last year- especially after today! I opened up my door to find 4 big boxes full of donated items!! I haven't even taken the stuff out of the boxes, but I did take a little peak :o) The stuff is incredible!!! I need to make sure I have some funds set aside just for these packages, so I can get them sent to all of my kids. I don't want to spoil the surprise by telling you some of the items that are inside, but I might show you a Christmas sneak peek a little later.

I am not sure if the donor want their name mentioned, so I am keeping that to myself for now... But, I do want to tell them THANK YOU!!! This will provide our fundraisers with a BIG boost!

Diego's Aunt gets her Refridgerator!

For those of you who do not know, I will repeat myself a little:

My sponsored child Diego in Colombia has a project on Aura's House right now. Recently, there were enough donations to provide his aunt with the refidgerator she needs for her business. She has a food business that reminds me of "roach mobiles" that we have here in the US. Is anyone familiar with this term? These are the trucks that drive to construction sites and sell sandwiches, candy, etc to construction workers. Diego's aunt provides workers with real home cooked meals! Yummy! (I have asked Diego to send me a recipe when he gets a chance so I can taste some of her delicious food)

She was in need of a way to keep ingredients fresh, so with the refridgerator, she will now be able to buy in bulk!

The next installment to Diego, which should be paid in a month or so, will provide his aunt with $250 worth of food ingredients to put into the fridge :o) He only needs another $57 in donations to provide her with the ingredients!

Here is Diego's letter:

"Dear and appreciated sponsor,

I am grateful for the refridgertor you sent me, and sweatshirt and socks. My aunt sends you and your family thousands of kisses. I am doing fine. I wish I could be there with you and have fun with your daughters. They are so cute. My grandfather sends you thousands of hugs. I am very happy because he got confused and didn't see the refridgerator at first because it was really pretty. But, I have already filled up the page. Diego"

We are now OFFICIAL!

On March 1st, I mentioned that I got a DBA for "Make a Change". I set it up because of iGive, and the fact that we will soon be getting checks from them that will go to our fundraisers. Since the check our written out to Make a Change, I had to file a "Doing Business As" in the public records. I did that in February, but I have been putting off setting up an account.

Well, today, I went to the bank and started an account for the group to be used for putting the checks into, and then disbursing them to the fundraisers. On May 15th, we should receive a check for $4846!! Since I just set up the account today, I will have the debit card by the time the check comes. Yay! I had to put $100 in of my own money to start the account. When I get the check, I will take my $100 out, and disburse $40 to the fundraisers. That will leave $8.46 in the account, and and since the account can't have a $0 balance I think this is a nice sum to leave in until the next check comes in June. There will be a check every month from iGive. The more people participate, the more we will be able to help our fundraisers!

If you haven't already, please sign up on iGive to help Make a Change. You help just by doing what you are already doing- searching and buying online!

Fundraiser Almost Complete!

Leydi's fundraiser is almost finished!! Only $128 left! Yay!! This could be completed this week! Very exciting! And I know Chrystal is ready for her fundraiser to start :o)
To help finish off this fundraiser, click here

Christmas Package for Jessabel

A post from Susan H:
I sent a Christmas package to Jessabel in November. I was thinking it was lost, so when I rec'd this photo and a sweet thank you in the mail, I was very surprised!

Summer Reading Package Received~ Gema and Crystal

Su just received these pictures of Gema and Crystal with their summer reading package. They look happy with the things that they received. Unfortunately, Su does not have the letter to go with these pictures yet, so we don't have any idea what they said about the package. She is going to share the letter as soon as she gets it!

Birthday Package for Nsenzeni in Zambia

Barbara's posting. Today, I finally received the photos of Nsenzeni in Zambia showing off her birthday gifts. The DP was sent sea-mail in April 2009 and did not arrive until 22nd March 2010 - talk about a 'slow boat to Zambia'!! However, I was relieved to see it had arrived safely, if somewhat battered, because an earlier Christmas DP still has not arrived.

In an earlier letter, Nsenzeni's grandmother, Lontia, advised that Nsenzenie wanted to be a doctor when she grew up so, for her birthday I bought her a toy doctor's kit with doctor's box, stethoscope and other doctor's tools. Also, I sent a blouse that could be made into a pretend doctor's white coat if it didn't fit Lontia. As you can see from the photo Nsenzeni might not get it until Lontia finishes with it!

Here is the thank you letter that Lontia wrote for Nsenzeni.

Dear Barbara

How are you? Back to us we are all fine. Nsenzeni she is very happy to receive the package that you have sent for her. Thank you Barbara and she has also received some card [Birthday card]. She feel proud with you. She has liked everything that you sent for her. Nsenzeni said I' be a doctor when I' grow up and I'am happy to receive this medical kit and cosmetic pads [sent to use for play] so that I must be able to use them. Greetings to your friends and your family. Yours Lontia and Nsenzeni Tapiwe.

The additional comments from the local CI staff read. "The child was very glad to receive the parcel from her sponsor and the grandmother has sent her thanks."

After years of pleading I was delighted to see that Lontia no longer lists all the articles included in the package - so determination won out this time.

However, just in case anyone is interested the package also included.

Medical kit
Schrek bandaids
Children's tylenol
Ear swabs
toothpaste
shampoo
vaseline
white blouse for doctor's uniform
Purell hand sanitizer
travel wipes.

1 Olympic 2010 T shirt with four mascots.
1 Pink and white T shirt
1 white long sleeved blouse
1 navy pleated skirt

panties and socks and Dora shoe appliques.
plus a small bag of sugar to make a birthday cake - but arrived too late!!
Birthday card, postcards and photos.

I think the photos show how pleased she was with her belated birthday gifts since she rarely smiles in her photos."

Summer Reading Package Received~ Mae M in the Philippines

A post from Sara S:
Hi all! These are the pictures and thank you letter I received from Mae’s Summer Reading Package. Mae is 10 years old. She lives with relatives in the Philippines (Legazpi). She is always very sweet.

Her letter reads:
“I was very glad when I received the package you sent. Thank you for the books, the lollipop and the stuffed toy. It will be a great help for me, especially the books. Aside from your package, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for all the support you have given me. It’s nice to know that there are still good people like you. I greatly appreciate your generosity. God bless you. Your sponsored child, Mae”

Summer Reading Package Received~ Omar in Colombia

A post from Sara S:
I received the pictures and thank you note from Omar’s Summer Reading Package. Omar is 12 years old. He lives with his mother and three siblings in Colombia. (The family report is unclear on why Omar’s father does not live with the family. My guess is he has to work in a different area). I have only been sponsoring Omar for about 6 months, so I do not know much about him yet. He seems very serious for his age. His CI photo album has annual photos dating back to 2005 … not a single smile. Hopefully with enough time, patience, and persistence I’ll get through his “shell” and see the less serious side of him.

His letter reads:
“Dear sponsor, I thank you for the gift you sent me. Let me tell you my family is doing well. Thanks for your gifts. Let me tell you I received your letter, toy car, and book. I hope you are doing well. I am doing well in school. I do my homework because I want to pass my school year. I would like to be a doctor to help other people. I have good behavior. Many thanks for all. I say good bye, Omar”

April 2010 FirstGiving Update!

25. Heather M~ Leydi in DR
26. Dana~ Franklin
27. Chrystal~ Brenda
28. Susan H~ Perla in Mexico
29. Holly G~ Roselle
30. Heather G~ Joyce
31. Barbara~ Mario in Chile
32. Lisa~ Brayan in Ecuador
33. Heather M.~ Dulce in Dominican Republic
34. Chrystal~ Maria in Ecuador
35. Jennifer~ Nisha in India
36. Katja~ Ana Gabriela in Guatemala

This is a list of the fundraisers that we currently have coming up. All of the people on this list have secured a spot for their child in an upcoming fundraiser by donating at least 25% to other people's fundraisers. We have so many fundraisers in line that this list actually goes to number 49!!! It will take a lot of hard work and determination to get through the summer season which is supposed to be the slowest season for donations. Make sure to publish our fundraisers in Facebook, Twitter, etc. Even if it is not your personal fundraiser, it still benefits you because the faster we get someone else's project funded the faster yours begins :o)

If you do not have a fundraiser coming up, you can still get one. Make sure that you donate at least $90 to other people's fundraisers. After you have donated that much, send a request for a fundraiser to macandmic@gmail.com You will automatically be added to the end of the list!

iGive Thank you!

Totals to date:

Amazon purchases from all $4.91
Janet $0.19
Mack $0.18
Heather & Holly $4.86
Melinda $6.95
Brian $0.07
Heather $13.09
Carolanne $6.26
Sara $34.61
chrystal $0.00
Lisa $5.33

Total= $79.08

Thank you for searching and purchasing through iGive for Make a Change!! As you can see it adds up! If you haven't already, please go to igive.com and make Make a Change your beneficiary. Then, use it every time you search or shop online! We will be receiving the first check in 3 weeks. It for close to $50! The money will be used to benefit whichever our current fundraisers are! If you have a fundraiser on our list, you should be using this tool. It is an easy way to add money to your project!

Katerine's Easter Package

A post from Lisa:

I received the report today on Katerine in Guatemala's Easter package. She looks adorable. The only thing I was disappointed in was that I only got one picture. That has never happened before. But she looks happy and sweet. I have just sent in the money for her to have a birthday party May 17th! She turns 7 years old.

Here is the letter someone wrote for her (not sure who):

Dear Sponsor Lisa,
I greet you thanking you for the package you sent to Katerine. She thanks you for the crayons, the book, the ponytails, the sweater, the pictures, and for the rope (it was a jump rope), the balls and the rabbits. She loves them because the rabbit is her favorite animal and she thanks you for the duck and may God bless you along with your sponsored child and niece and that everything is fine with your dogs surgery abd she is thankful and she says so long to you wishing you do it well.
Katerine

Late Breaking News!!

This just in!!!... Franklyn's fundraiser now has a raffle attached to it! Everyone who has donated already to his fundraiser will be entered into the drawing, and then, everyone thereafter as well. This raffle will go until the fundraiser is complete. It would really make a good Mother's Day gift, so it would be nice to see this fund before Mother's Day.

What is it? It is a gift card to Massage Envy! You or your loved one will enjoy a complimentary massage on behalf of Dana. Check out http://www.massageenvy.com/ to find a location near you. If you are a member of Massage Envy, you will receive a 1 hour massage. New customers receive about 1 1/2 hours! This gift is valued at $65!!

To enter the raffle, click here

Good luck!

Franklyn's fundraiser

Franklyn's fundraiser is still going on, so don't forget about him. This is a great opportunity to help a sponsor child get set up for his future! This will set him up with a welding machine. I think it's great that he has been able to go to trade school, but he won't be able to start his own welding business without the machine.
To help Franklyn start his business, click here

And the Winner of the Purse is...

Number 100!!! Steve! While Steve is in Colombia visiting our children, he just won a raffle! Thank you to each of you for your donations! There is already enough for Leydi's party, and all of the rest of the funds will be going to her bed and other essentials.

candace.eve 184-193

John 159-183

CheriM 138-158
Jim and Mack 113-137

Steve 88-112
Heather G 83-87
Holly 81-82
Shana 71-80
John 46-70

Holly 41-45

Barbara 31-40
Katja 21-30
Tamara & Jack Schilling 1-20

Meet Jessavel and her Family!

A post from Shana:

This is Jessavel and her family who live in the Philippines. I have been her sponsor for about five years. Jessavel enjoys playing Scrabble and she wants to be a teacher one day. She enjoys tending to the garden in her family's back yard and she travels to school by boat. Hopefully soon, Jessavel and her family will have a new fishing boat and she will be able to travel with her father on the family boat instead of paying for travel to school. She is supposed to help her father construct the boat. It should be a very exciting time for them! God bless.

A Mexican Puzzle

Miguel received the electronic toy that Barbara ordered for him during the Summer Reading Program. However, do you see how he is looking puzzled? Strangest thing happened- the field staff said there was, also, a pocket lamp in his package but they would not give it to him. Anyone have any idea what they could be talking about? What is a pocket lamp? The reason they couldn't give it to him is because it had a phone number on it... Which takes us from weird to weirder... What is a pocket lamp, why does it have a phone number on it, and where did it come from? If any one can solve this puzzle, I will have a nice prize for you :o)