Thanks to the generous donations of readers of Colombia Reports, some 2,700 children in one of Medellin’s most deprived neighborhoods received food supplies and a toy for Christmas.
According to Mark Kaseman, the founder of the charity that organized the food distribution, the event was “an incredible success.”
“Over 2,700 children and 850 families received 7 types of vegetables, 10 different types of fruit, sugar, salt, spaghetti, rice, etc. Plus, the kids enjoyed music, face painting, getting their pictures taken and just having a great day,” said Kaseman, a New-Yorker residing in Envigado.
In the week before the main event on Saturday, Kaseman had been bargaining with wholesale food and toy companies to make sure as many children as possible would be able to receive their christmas gift.
On the day itself, more than a hundred volunteers helped Kaseman distribute the food packages and toys.
The New-Yorker works in the El Pinar neighborhood all year round. He volunteers at the local school as an English teacher and offers assistance whenever possible.
Because of the generosity of donors, this year’s Christmas Charity Drive was the most successful ever.