Last year, our fundraising efforts were so successful that we had some extra money. We’d raised about $600 and I informed those donors that I would like to provide the children with some “nice clothes” to celebrate Diwali. We provide money to purchase uniforms, but I thought it would be a treat for the children to have access to clothes they would not normally purchase for themselves. When I traveled to India In January, I brought with me that $600 and distributed it ($200 to 3 of our schools) with the explanation of the idea I had. The principals and teachers were very gracious and excited. The following day they approached me and asked if they could use the money in a different way. “We have a fund to buy warm clothes for children who do not have access to those. Can we use the money to buy sweaters and scarves?” It was rural India in the winter and it was cold, so I said, ‘Of course! Please use the money to buy the children what they need to keep them warm.”
All that to say, our work would be ineffective without the support of our contacts in Padhar, Baihiram, Paratwada, Shahpur and Sarni. They help us in immeasurable ways to know what is needed. For that we are truly grateful.