| | |  News from Around Banderas Bay | June 2009 
PV Food Drive Continues Through September
 Pamela Thompson - PVNN
June 24, 2009
Yesterday was a good reminder as to why we have committed to the food drive that we began the beginning of May. Last month's goal of nearly 800 packages of food (beans, rice, lentils, soup pasta and soup cubes) was met and distributed.
For June, the distributions are divided up into three dates during the month, with yesterday being the first distribution to the DIF-Child Protective Services program "Children at Risk." These youngsters are from extremely (to no) income homes and are at risk for living on the streets.
They attend weekly programs sponsored by Child Protective Services in various colonias throughout the area. They learn many things, from how to deal with an alcoholic parent to how to study and stay in school even though they are hungry.
As they lined up at the registration desk to receive their vouchers, two at a time they came through in a very orderly fashion, receiving not only the package of food but a hygiene kit and a pencil box with school supplies. (Note: These kits are supplied by New Life Mexico.)
Ranging in ages from 6 years old up to about 12 years old, most were quite shy but very polite. I felt a bit uncomfortable handing these packages out as keeping one's pride, to me anyway, must be a priority.
I noticed that many of the children were extremely thin. Many had on clothes that were way too big for them and the vast majority had shoes or flip-flops that were for someone with much larger feet. Beautiful children with smiling eyes reminded me that we are committed to this project through September. Times are beyond tough. They are desperate for many.
As with any project, donations come fast and furious in the beginning, which is great. It shows how much people care and wish to participate and help. It was for this reason we have been able to meet our May and June goals for the food distribution.
Donations have tapered off a bit - for many reasons. Many people have left Vallarta for the summer months. I have not been blasting people with emails as I was in the beginning. Life goes on, as well it should, and perhaps people forget.
Please. When you are doing your shopping, pick up a couple extra bags of beans, or rice, or lentils, or soup pasta, or soup cubes. The further we move in to the summer months, the hungrier people will become.
The economic situation will not change overnight. It will take time. That is why we must fill this gap between now and September. It may not be much. The food packages feed a family of four for one week. As I have said in the past, I do not know what people do the rest of the month and actually, I don't even want to think about that. But I do know we, all of us and all of you who are participating, are truly making a difference in our own, small way.
Our next "packaging party" will be on July 6, 2009 at 6 pm at the PVRPV offices. Please contact tim(at)pvrpv.com if you would like to participate. It's fun! And Fast! As well, check out the fabulous PVRPV Blog for updates not only on the food drive but other current information on the area.
To all of those who have assisted in one way or another (again, you know who you are) a heartfelt and warm "gracias." Let's keep the momentum going and finish up in September! Please do not hesitate contacting me for any further information on the food drive project. pamela(at)healthcareresourcespv.com.
 Pamela Thompson is a registered nurse who has lived in Puerto Vallarta for over 17 years, 10 of them in health care. Pamela now leads HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a local healthcare resource network. Her years of experience and expertise are available to you by emailing your questions to pamela(at)healthcareresourcespv.com or by visiting HealthCareResourcesPV.com.
Click HERE to learn more about the health and well-being services offered by HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta. |
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