Costa Rican Isabel Johanning started an orphanage in Guinea Bissau for 120 children 0-15 years old. Two couples go there annually from Costa Rica to throw a Christmas party and deliver gifts.
Last year, they received $12,000 in donations to buy gifts and needed items. This year, they didn’t have the money for tickets and couldn’t confirm they would go again but they received a bonus and were able to purchase the tickets after all. They brought 17 suitcases full of gifts including toys and clothes.
At the party, they give each child a set of clothes and a stocking with candies, food, and two sodas each. The sodas are the most coveted item and are enjoyed in small sips. They also provide meat for the party and a few days of leftovers. Milk for a whole year is also gifted.
The couples fund their own trips and the donations are all for the orphanage. They go on a vacation and spend some days of it with the orphans. It has changed their perspective forever. They stress that they are not missionaries, just ordinary people who give a few days of their vacation to help.
If you’d like to help, see the Facebook page Maletas con Proposito, or contact [email protected] of 7139-8049.
