Feed Hungry Families in San Ramon, Costa Rica

For those of us that live reasonably comfortable and secure lives, it is often hard to imagine the degree of challenge faced by families living in poverty in Costa Rica. Recently we became aware of a family in crisis. Abandoned by the father who had absconded with the family’s coffee picking income, the pregnant mom and her six children were struggling to exist. Their makeshift house had a dirt floor, a roof that leaked, windows with no glass in them, and missing doors. Because the stove did not work, the mom was cooking over an open fire outside. And because the family’s income had disappeared with the father, there was no money to buy food or other necessities including the uniforms, shoes and supplies needed for the children to be able to attend school where, not only would they be receiving an education, they would also be receiving two meals a day. In Costa Rica, public school is free but families must provide the uniforms, shoes and school supplies required for attendance.

When two expat neighbors became aware of the situation, they swung into action to let others in the expat community know about the direness of the situation. They received donations of food from many individuals and collected money to cover home repair costs. Volunteers from a local church offered to provide the labor to repair the roof, install proper windows and doors, fix the stove, and make the house safer and habitable. Individuals donated a crib and other items such as clothes, blankets, washable diapers for the baby that would be arriving soon. Friends of the organizing duo from a neighboring town donated school supplies for the children. Because of the ongoing generosity of CAA members and friends, CAA’s Education Scholarship Program was able to provide the funds to cover the cost of the uniforms and shoes for the children; and CAA’s food support fund was able to provide several weeks of food support to help carry the family though as they work toward accessing local governmental programs available for needy families.

It is indeed an honor to be part of the village that can make a difference for those in need in our community. And we are exceedingly grateful to the CAA members and friends whose ongoing generosity provides us this opportunity to be of service. Thank you to all of you!