Punta de Mita, Mexico - Smiles and squeals energized the PEACE Casa Campesina as alternative school students watched boxes of donated school supplies, toys, and sports equipment pour into their classroom. This joy is thanks to Ellie Higgins (14) and Rachel Price (15), Girl Scouts from troop #32232 in Lafayette, CA, who flew to Mexico to deliver, in person, their gifts.

Ellie and Rachel are passionate about helping children from the local villages in Punta de Mita, and encouraged four other girls in their troop to join their effort. The fundraising drive and delivery was an answer to ‘Silver Award’ requirements, which challenges Girl Scouts to decide on an issue they care about, develop a plan, execute the project, and reflect and celebrate the experience.

"They had no idea of the scope of their project when they started, or how much each of them would benefit from the ‘one on one’ with the children," said Judy Parks, Ellie’s grandmother and long-time resident in the Puerto Vallarta area. "The hands-on experience left lasting impressions on these young teenagers."

Not only did the alternative school receive needed resources for high-quality educational activities, but like so many other generous PEACE volunteers and donors, Ellie, and Rachel shared a life-changing experience of growth and learning.

If you would like to be a PEACE volunteer, contact Nicole(at)peacemexico.org or find donation information HERE.

PEACE, (Protection, Education, Animals, Culture, Environment) established in 2005, is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization made up of three main programs which focus on education, animal well-being, and environmental protection in the Bay of Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico. PEACE works hand-in-hand with communities in Mexico to provide holistic education, combined with community action programs that enable people to improve their quality of life as well as their financial stability.

For more information, please visit PeaceMexico.org, or
click HERE to read more about PEACE