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FROM HUNGER TO HOPE: A REFUGE FOR CHILDREN IN GUATEMALA
Hello, my name is Maureen McKeon, and I’m writing from my home in Antigua, Guatemala.
Imagine a child who has endured poverty, abuse, and hunger—yet still holds onto hope for a better future. Now imagine giving that child a safe bed, a warm meal, and the chance to learn and grow. That is what Centro Nutricional y Hogar de Niños San Francisco de Asis, a children’s residential facility in rural Patzún, Guatemala, is fighting to provide every single day.
When I visited Hogar de Niños recently, I met children whose stories broke my heart—yet their incredible resilience filled me with inspiration. This home is a true beacon of hope for up to 80 vulnerable children and teens each year. But today, San Francisco Hogar de Niños is struggling to survive.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The children who arrive here have faced unimaginable challenges. At Hogar de Niños San Francisco de Asis, they find more than food and shelter—they find education, medical care, and, most importantly, love. It is a place where they can finally feel safe and start again.
Despite the Guatemalan government's support for quality compliance, the home receives almost no government funding and lacks NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) backing. The Franciscan sisters caring for the children are doing everything they can, but they currently need urgent help to provide even the most basic necessities.
SISTER REYNA'S WISH LIST
There are currently 26 children living in the home. Together, we can make sure they have what they need:
- Backpacks
- Shoes / Crocs
- Blankets
- Children’s vitamins
- School supplies (crayons, markers, pencils, pens, scissors, notebooks, erasers, etc.)
- Printer and copy paper
- A full-size refrigerator
- Laptops (see below)
URGENT TECHNOLOGY NEED
As the children grow, their needs grow too. The teenagers are at a critical stage in their education and desperately need access to technology. Currently, the entire home has access to only two outdated laptops and one old desktop. Our goal is to provide at least five new or gently used desktops, laptops, or tablets.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Your gift—no matter the size—can change a child’s life. Together, we can give these children hope, dignity, and the tools they need to build a brighter future.
Please consider donating today. And if you have laptops or tablets in good working condition, they would be received with immense gratitude.
From the bottom of my heart—thank you for your generosity, compassion, and support.
♥️Maureen
Organizer
