Project to assist two rural schools and local children is seeking funds for repairs and a Christmas party

[Editor´s note: The following was submitted by Linn Vermilion Smith, a Cuenca expat working with a project to assist two rural schools and the children attending them.]

This is a call for help to the Gringo community in Cuenca and beyond.

In November, Edd and Cynthia Staton and Will and Val Lacy visited two rural schools, 30 miles southeast of Cuenca near the town of Quingeo. One is San Vincente and the other is Conferencia Dolores Flores. The schools are located in isolated areas, serving more than 100 very poor children. At Conferencia Dolores Flores, there is no running water due to damage to the pumping system and the children have no bathroom or kitchen facilities.

Both schools are in desparate need of assistance. Because of poverty, the children often do not even have money to buy pencils. These are special and beautiful children, who need our help.

Edd, Cynthia, Val and Will are organizing a Christmas party and plan to give each child a small bag of candy, a pencil, eraser and pencil sharpener. This will be the only Christmas most of these children will have. We also want to raise the $500 dollars necessary to repair the school water system to provide working bathrooms and kitchen.

One generous, anonymous U.S. citizen has donated close to $200 to help in this cause. We are asking the Cuenca expat community to join in our effort to help the children and these two rural schools. We also ask readers in the U.S. to join us in this very worthy cause.

To make a donation, please contact Wil and Val Lacy by phone at 09 030 3954, or email Cardellandlinnsmith@quantumlifechanges.com for more information. Time is of the essence because the Christmas party is planned for Dec. 18.

We plan to go to the Christmas party and take plenty of photos which we can share with those who contribute to the cause. Please pass on the story of our mission to assist these sweet, special children to anyone who might want to help.

Thank you so much for your consideration and have a joyous and peaceful holiday season.

–Linn Vermilion Smith

Photo caption: Children near Quingeo and Will, Val, Cynthia, and Edd at one of the schools that needs help.