Monthly Archives: July 2013

Gran Bazar A Success – July 2013

Charo was able to redeem her coupons and get clothing for her children

Sunday, we held a gran bazar at Vida Abundante Church between 3:30 and 5:30 pm. We knew our schedule would be tight as church service takes place at 6:30 but it seemed like the right day to do this.

On the previous days during our distribution of school supplies, we gave each child a coupon redeemable for 25 pesos in clothing at the bazar. Many of the used pieces of clothing are priced anywhere from 5 to 20 pesos so a family with 4-5 children would have 100-125 pesos to spend and they would be able to get a number of clothing items.

A family proudly shows off their purchases

The priority with this bazar was to get clothes distributed to the families that had received school supplies. It appeared that we were successful as many vouchers were turned in. Our bazars have become very popular and we did have a large number of paying people as well and to our surprise, we took in more money than we ever expected. Some of this money will be used to purchase school supplies for next year while some will go toward future projects that might benefit additional local families.

We now have people busy in the United States, purchasing school supplies that are on sale at local stores during their “back to school” sales. If you can help us, please contact us with your email address by writing to Karen@friendsofcozumel.com. We’ll be happy to share what our greatest needs are and what we believe is currently on sale.

The heat of the afternoon did not keep people away

First Day of School Supply Distribution – July 2013

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The line began forming 30 minutes ahead of distribution

On Friday, we had our first day of distribution for school supplies. This year, we’ve targeted a list of 180 students who would receive backpacks, supplies, shoes, socks and underwear from Friends of Cozumel. Also this year, we are doing the distribution from a central location where we have all of our supplies stored (our “bodega”).

As we contacted people to tell them the location and dates they could pick up their supplies many told us that they would probably come on Friday, and they did. We distributed backpacks to over 93 children on Friday alone which was a great start! Having a lineup of people outside caused many passers-by to stop and ask what was happening. After all, no one wants to miss out on a good deal. When told what we do, many asked us how they could got their children on the list. We had to explain that this year’s list was final but we would take their information. As it turned out, we ended up with 14 new names to consider for next year.

A local family with 5 children was very happy to have their new supplies

With 93 given out, we’re half way there. We have 50 to distribute at Vida Abundante next week so we have approximately 40 to take care of this evening. The families as so, so appreciative of this support. It’s low season here and work is hard to find. This is a gift that is very much appreciated.

Deciding which backup to take can be a difficult decision

Enabling people to support their family – July 2013

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Each time I prepare to make the trip to Cozumel, I always get excited, wondering what opportunities the Lord will provide us while we are on the island. One of the highest priorities for the work we do with Friends of Cozumel is working with families so that they might be able to use the skills and resources that they have, or that can be provided to them to improve their situation. One thing that I see over and over is a willingness and eagerness to learn and an appreciation for everything, no matter how small.

Alondra displays the dress made by her mother from an older used dress

We receive many donations through Friends of Cozumel and recently we received a surger, a specialized sewing machine which puts a professional seam finish on a garment. I have owned a surger and used it many times, but by no means understand the complexity of the machine. In fact, when one of the threads would break, I would call my daughter to come re-thread the machine. So, as I would say, I know just enough to be dangerous.

Elena is a young mother with 4 children and she and her husband Milton struggle to support their family through the low season in Cozumel. Milton is a hard worker and makes furniture, but items are just not selling right now. Elena has attended several of the sewing classes we have sponsored through NUAFA and through the years she has acquired her own sewing machine, but not without great sacrifice. She sews all of the clothes for her family as she acquires fabric. When visiting with her earlier this week, she showed us the end of school dress she had made for her daughter, Alondra, out of a dingy dirty dress someone had given her. She made the fabric white as snow and cut and fashioned a beautiful dress through her recycling efforts.

She shared with us that she wanted to earn some money for her family by making the skirts for the school uniforms. When we left there that day I knew that the surger could aid Elena in her business and make her garments have a professional finished look. Karen and I discussed this idea and I agreed to teach Elena what I knew about the surger (which remember is very little). We approached Elena with this idea and she was so excited.

Elena takes measurements for a new skirt she will make for this girl

Our training is complete, although there is a lot for Elena to learn about the surger. I told her that when she figures it all out, she can teach me when I come back to Cozumel. Several of our volunteers decided we could help Elena with her business if business cards were created, so now she has cards to hand out to those interested in her services.

Today, Elena measured her first customers and will begin sewing the uniform skirts. No purchased patterns for her, she measures and then makes her own patterns to fit each person, including whatever personal details they may desire. It is exciting to see Elena begin her business as she strives to feed and provide for her family and what a joy for Friends of Cozumel to be able to have a small part in this by loaning to her, donated resources she could never personally afford. If Elena finds that the surger does help her in her business, it is my desire to find another donor who would provide a surger for Elena to have as her own.

– Ilene Kendrick