CHRISTMAS for CUENCA (Ecuador)

My name is Benjamin Snarr. I lived in Ecuador from 1998-2000, while volunteering as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While serving, I was assigned to the City of Cuenca, located in southern Ecuador's Andes Mountains.  I fell in love with this area and its inhabitants! In 2005, I helped lead a Humanitarian group (Garrett Bardsley Foundation) in the construction of an Elementary School in a remote village (Puca Cruz) outside of the city.   I have returned to Ecuador 10+ times over the last 20yrs, making sure I spent a significant amount of time in Cuenca & with the school children of Puca Cruz which I have grown to love.  Actually, recently I've been visiting the children of the original group of children we built the school for in 2005! 

When I visited last year, it was apparent that the 4-classroom school we built 15yrs ago was at max capacity. I returned and informed the organization who originally built the school of the need and we were all on board to return in June, 2020 to renovate and expand the school.  Needless to say, that didn't happen.  Not only was the country shutdown, the schools were also shut down.  The teachers who traveled 1.5hrs by bus every day to reach this remote school stopped coming.  Students in the city relied on internet/distance learning, while our little school in the mountains (with no internet) stood still.  These children haven't had much to look forward to, for months on end.

However, Ecuador is now OPEN to travel! I've been watching it closely and my trip is booked! I secured my flight last night and I leave Friday, Dec 4th! MY GOAL IS TO PROVIDE THESE CHILDREN WITH SOME SORT OF CHRISTMAS.

There are 80-85 kids, ages 3 - 12yrs old.  I have already purchased my ticket. Lodging is provided by friends and family who always generously host me. 100% of all donations will go towards "Christmas Gift Bags" for each child. My estimate is $12-15.00 per child. Which would cover the following items to be purchased IN Ecuador: Festive Bag, Age Appropriate Toy, Reading Book, Activity Book or Coloring Book, Colored Pencils or Crayons, Hygiene Supplies such as toothbrush, tooth paste, bar of soap, washcloth, brush or comb. Of course, Candy canes and Christmas Candy, too. I'm also personally providing a stuffed animal (I bought 90 today!  See attached photo) for each bag as well. If we reach the goal, there will be some extra funds I'd LOVE to buy some clean underwear, fresh new undershirts for ALL kids & some feminine hygiene products for some of the older girls.

If you feel inclined to donate, PLEASE do, I think we can make this a Christmas they will always remember! I love you all!
I will post pictures to my Facebook of all happy children and smiling faces! Lets "Light The World!"(I'm taking 2 changes of clothes, the rest the space will be for these stuffed animals!)

Happy Holidays, to ALL!
Benjamin