These kids were so pleased with their new backpacks and school supplies

In U.S. schools, pens, pencils, paper, and even computers are supplied to students. Education is valued in Cozumel, but learning materials must be brought to school by the students. The financial burden of providing supplies prevent many children from attending. But how much could a pencil possible cost? On the island, the average cost of a backpack, notebooks, pens, pencils, and other supplies on the list of required materials exceeds the entire weekly income of many families. Now multiply that by 4 to 10 children per family and you’ve got a dilemma for those with limited resources.

These girls were very happy to show off their new backpaks

Yesterday the 2014 distribution began. The smiles and hugs of gratitude are all the evidence needed to show that your donations are making a difference. Children are thrilled to be able to go to school with their new backpacks and shoes. So sit back and enjoy that good feeling for just a minute. Then jump up and go out to an office supply store and grab those bargains for next year. We’ll need them.

~Phyllis from Nebraska