This is Giving Tuesday and I have some wonderful news to report! As you probably know, my daughter, Sara, started a non-profit called Chispa Project which works side-by-side with local communities to create school libraries in Honduras.
This year has been incredibly successful thanks to more than a hundred of column readers who contributed $15,000 this year, helping us reach a total of 14,000 books donated to over 50 schools. AND, a dozen of those readers are coming with me in March 2019 to build more libraries. I am so grateful to you all.
If you've seen the recent news, Honduras has appeared numerous times with caravan immigration and sending unaccompanied minors across the border due to the dire situation in Honduras. Today, more than ever, sustainable change needs to happen within Honduras, and I'm asking for your continued support to build 10 new libraries with our "Next Chapter Campaign."
What's the issue?
Books are expensive for the 2 out of 3 Honduran families living in extreme poverty. Most students have no children's books in their schools or homes, contributing to incredibly low reading abilities, and high drop-out rates. Low educational opportunities contribute to high immigration rates, with families desperate to give their children a better life.
How do books help?
The most powerful and highest-impact way to improve reading achievement is to increase access to books. Through school and classroom libraries, Chispa provides a holistic program that trains teachers, parents and students to integrate literacy techniques in daily classes and home life.
What can you do?
Your generous contribution goes directly to purchasing brand new Spanish children's books and inaugurating a school library equipped with 500+ unique titles and comfortable reading spaces, and put a smile on students' faces when they open their first library book!
Please help us start 2019 on the right page by donating $100 and help 4 children get their first book at a Chispa library today at www.chispaproject.org/nextchapter. (Consider donating in honor of a loved one as a gift!) If you prefer to mail a check, please make it out to "Chispa Project" and send it to:
Norris Burkes
PO Box 247
Elk Grove, CA 95759
Thank you so much for your continued support and giving the gift of reading.
With love and gratitude,
Chaplain Norris | | | |
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