Imagine having to choose between sending your child to school and providing basic necessities for your family. Sadly, this is the reality for many parents at back-to-school season. Required school supplies and uniforms must be purchased in order for children to attend school. Families with multiple children are especially burdened by the financial demands that come with a new school year.
Tijuana Family Outreach Project, founded and directed by Mikail Collins of Subud San Diego organizes monthly gatherings for financially struggling families that have no other community support or services. School Supply Giveaway Day has become one of their most highly attended events. At the annual gathering, gifts of backpacks filled with school supplies are presented, a meal is served, and bonds of friendship are strengthened among neighbors. Muchas gracias to Tijuana Family Outreach Project for organizing these monthly gatherings filled with camaraderie and caring, enabling families to receive much-needed charity while maintaining their dignity.
Susila Dharma USA board member Diego Salgado visited this year’s School Supply Giveaway Day and met many local families. Following are testimonies of gratitude from some of the parents in attendance:
“There are many kids who do not attend school because their parents don’t have the means of sending them to school. Even though there are public schools, the parents are still not able to provide for their kids. They’re not able to buy their kids a uniform or shoes. God has provided the sponsors with a magnificent and noble heart. Maybe for the sponsors this is just a simple event but for a lot of us parents and the kids this all comes as a blessing. It is a very big help.” (Griselda, mother of two)
“A pencil or a notebook helps tremendously as many times parents do not have money to buy their kids supplies. I have been in situations in the past where I was not able to buy my kids school supplies. I am currently studying law so this makes us be 3 students at home. So, a backpack is a big blessing. Not only on the physical level but also on an emotional and a spiritual level as well. As a single mother I feel very blessed for my kids to be a part of Casa Matita.” (Griselda, mother of two)
“Seeing the kids smile is the biggest satisfaction… People come from as far as Rosarito and Tecate to attend… Parents usually make a family outing of that one day a month they visit. They also receive donated clothes and shoes, which are laid out before them to take as needed.” (Alma, volunteer and mother of three)
“Casa Matita always offers us support and backpacks for the kids and with several events throughout the year. We have been here for the Day of the Child and for Christmas, where gifts are handed out and a nice meal is prepared. The gatherings are very heartfelt.” (Gladys, mother of three)”