Part 1 of 2

Part 1: How to help Domingo Savio - coin drives!!
Part 2: TO COME: Donate to Voluntarios de la Esperanza, the whole reason I´m here in the first place and we can do amazing things with the children - there will be more to come.



To whom this may concern:

Every day after school many children go home to a house where the roof doesn’t leak and to a family that cares for them. This is not always the case in many parts of the world.

Hi, my name is Michelle Schackmann and currently I am working at a community center in Santiago, Chile called Domingo Savio. The kids I work with come to us from a poor public school system and most go home to a one room house or to an unstable family life. I would like to ask you to start a coin drive at your school or work place to help me raise money through a change drive for Domingo Savio, the place the children go to feel a sense of security in their life. This money would go towards numerous items such as upkeep of the club, make sure that the kids get a nutritious snack, and help build a new theater.

My Club Domingo Savio was founded in 1979 by Olga Diaz originally as a children’s home but has transformed into an after school center over the past 4 years. The club is located on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile in La Granja, one of the poorest areas in Santiago. The club provides a long-term and family-like atmosphere for children without stable living situations. The club runs each day for about 35 children between the ages of 5 to 14. There are workshops such as theatre, art, dance, computer and a time everyday for homework or extra practice in subjects where the children need help.

I think a coin drive would be an amazing opportunity for the students to help and learn about kids around the world. It is never too early to learn how just a few cents can help if everyone helps out. It´s also a great team project for you and your co-workers. I hope you are able to commit. I am more than willing to help with any other materials you need such as photos, more information, drawings from the children, etc. Jars for change are easy to find and please email me so we can discuss the easiest way for the money to end up in my hands. For contacting me email is the easiest: m_schackmann@yahoo.com.

I appreciate your consideration and thanks for all that you do.


Sincerely,


Michelle Schackmann
Volunteer, Domingo Savio

Domingo Savio

Everyday Domingo Savio is filled with up to 35 children doing homework, playing soccer, or doing one of numerous workshops. Some days are difficult and involve children not wanting to do homework and hiding under tables while others are filled with laughter and crazy dance classes. One day I’ll be “sisters of the feet” with a girl because we both have injuries that make us limp. Another day a child will come in screaming “I got a 7!” – the equivalent to a A in the United States. The most important thing is that these children receive love and a supportive environment five days a week from the staff and volunteers that work here.

My Club Domingo Savio was founded in 1979 originally as a children’s home but has transformed into an after school center over the past 4 years. The club is located on the outskirts of Santiago, Chile in La Granja, one of the poorest areas in Santiago. The club provides a long-term and family-like atmosphere for children without stable living situations. It focuses on programs that develop the abilities of the kids in high risk situations while continuing to have them live with their families whenever possible. The club runs each day for about 30 children between the ages of 5 to 14. There are workshops such as theatre, art, dance, computer and a time everyday for homework or extra practice in subjects where the children need help.

Underpinning the entire curriculum is a set of values that stress the importance of self – initiative, tolerance, and respect for oneself and for others. Many of the kids’ academic performance improve dramatically, and more than anything, the children receive a positive sense of hope about their futures. There are dozens of new children applying to the program for 2007, and if resources are available, we hope to expand the program to allow 45 children to participate (I will email and post more blogs about how you can help later :)

This is a little information for now, I will make sure to update more later! Thanks for all your support! Don't forget to check out the links on the side.

And I'm still having fun and keeping my sanity...