What exactly do we do and how do the supplies get there?

---

Our primary activity is to obtain protein and vitamin fortified rice meals, box them up with canned meat, other types of food or hygiene products and ship them to the Missionaries of Charity and a Catholic parish priest in Venezuela.  The donated items are then given out to people of all ages in need.

The other types of food or hygiene products that we send are gathered at Food Drives and provided by Food Buddies. These supplies are very much needed as well.

Occasionally there are Special Needs that come up such as a bike for Father to use to get around to his parishioners when the cost of gas prevented him from driving. Another time the Sisters requested a few adaptive seats that are helpful when trying to feed or interact with the disabled children. Sometimes a request is small such as a pair of shoes. Other times the request is big such as 4 new tires for the truck that the Sisters use to pick up and distribute the supplies we send. This Spring we sent funds to purchase 28 twin mattresses, 6 full mattresses, sheet sets, pillows and towels. We try our best to fill these requests and if we cannot we reach out to our donors, sponsors and local organizations and ask for assistance.  

We hold 2- 3 major fundraisers a year including the Bunko Blizzard, and various other events in Highland, IL.  We also have some friends in St. Louis, MO that occasionally hold fundraisers for us. 

We are available to come speak to school children, organizations, or any other groups of people interested in hearing about the people we serve as well as our efforts to help them.

Through our newsletters, Facebook posts, and fundraisers, we encourage prayers for the people in Venezuela that we serve.

Each year we try to make Christmas special for the children served by the Missionaries of Charity and Father Angel in Venezuela by purchasing special items such as clothing, candy, small toys, and other treats then sending the supplies for them to hand out.