Haiti Gifts for Children On Their Way!!

Dear Friends,

We wanted to give you an update on the project the J2A youth undertook these past weeks. Yesterday afternoon we officially sent-off 11 packages to St. Vincent's School for Handicapped Children.  They held 50 brightly colored bags, one for each child, containing stuffed animals, toys, toothbrushes, and miscellaneous books, balls, and toiletries. We were also able to send two boxes of items for the staff to distribute, including clothing, flashlights, batteries, and a large package with many classroom-sized toys and a scooter. Below is a picture of some of the youth who (along with donations from their and their parent's piggy banks)  made this possible, posing with the just-packed boxes.

They are, from left to right, Sarah Clingenpeel, Eric Lehr, Maya Jackson, Philip Arnold, and Chris Connor. Also pictured are the two of us.  Classmates not pictured, but who helped with the project, are Eli Nanny Holmes, Peter Linck, and Mya Stanley.

We want to send a few special thanks out. First to Dan & Debbie Link, and Renee Hirshfield, who funded the shipping costs almost in their entirety. Also to Tom Rogers who assisted in gathering the toiletries.  Mike Clark helped haul and transport the boxes to the shipping company. And Lou Clauss, Emmanuel Episcopal Church Member (Webster Groves) and owner of the PostNet on Watson Road for going above and beyond the call of duty, getting us boxes, packing material, customs forms, and shipping rates that kept us within our limited budget.  Stop by and see what a great place he's running (info below).

We also want to thank the parishioners who donated items, and those who gave us encouragement.  We can't wait to hear from St. Vincent's, and hope our work will not only bring us together as friends, but bring a little life and happiness into their world.

Blessings ~ Jason Wiggins & Heidi Clark
J2A Mentors

7253 Watson Rd.   St. Louis, MO 63119
www.postnet.com/mo114    Phone:      314-395-8422
Lou Clauss, Owner

Sent in by Heidi Clark