Several of you have asked how to donate to Mi Refugio, the school in Guatemala for the children who live in the Guatemala City dump. The best way I know is to contact Harry Engen (dad of Kari, who runs the school). Harry’s contact information is here and at the top of that page is a pdf file of Mi Refugio’s Needs List. If you call Harry, he can mail you a more updated list.
The easiest and most reliable way for supplies to reach Mi Refugio is either for Harry to carry them himself to Guatemala or for a team going down to the school to take them. Either way, Harry can coordinate delivery. You just have to get the supplies to him in Maryland.
When I called Harry he said that the children are in need of backpacks for the school year so we got backpacks in honor of Carmen’s 3rd birthday (thanks Jean for your contribution!). Harry did mention that many of the Guatemalan children are so tiny (Carmen is NOT typical!) that adult-sized backpacks swim on them. So, we bought kid-sized and also some mini-sized backpacks. Harry also said that used backpacks are just fine too.
Other needs include children’s vitamins, medicines, underwear, socks, sewing materials, children’s sewing patterns, etc.
We think this school is doing something amazing- giving 200 children each year the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and giving them HOPE. Mi Refugio is truly caring for the least of these.
I love that you are a family of givers! You inspire me! Thank you for sharing!
Hi there, I am with Brittany, You all inspire me in more ways than one. God bless. In Christ, Joe