Joao & Vera

Joao, Vera and their three children live in very sad and poor conditions. Dark, dusty, a mostly empty refrigerator (few items in there probably just to keep the bugs out) that is very rusty and barely working and their beds are what makes up this shanty home. On January 9, 2009 construction materials were delivered to them to build their house. Their home, made of pieces of scrap wood and metals hopefully soon will be no longer. Vera and her children seem to be sickly each time we visit. Looking at their environment it's understandable. Two friends and neighbors are helping Joao build his house. They are unemployed, Vera will make some meals in exchange for the labor. One of the helper's asked if we could help him by buying him a mattress. This was so disturbing because I couldn't imagine where he was sleeping if he had no mattress. Of course we purchased a simple mattress for R$60. He was happy. Pictures of the construction of the walls of the house was taken on Sunday, January 25. It is coming along.

Cesta Basicas--Food Baskets

Wednesday, January 14 we delivered 12 food packages, "cesta basicas". As usual it is difficult to decide who gets one. We have been alternating, one month one list the next month another list. This time, with Sueli's help we had to be more specific, informing the people if they have a job to please do not receive one and allow the ones who truly need it. They were cooperative, standing by in case they had a chance for one. Honestly, they all need it. Food should never be denied to anyone. We are so grateful for the ones who have been donating so this program can continue. All donations are always welcome. Each food package is about US $10, depending on the exchange. Obrigado!

50/50 Raffle

Thank you to those who participated in the 50/50 Raffle. Also, thank you Wendy for hosting it. The total amount of the donations was $400. The drawing ticket went to L.A., which means $200 to Cascalheira and $200 to L.A. Thank you L.A. for donating your half back to Cascalheira. As usual the money will be used to help feed and help the people in Cascalheira.

We are back in Bahia, Brazil and soon we will continue with the construction of the next house that is being built. Will keep you posted.
Please continue to send any amount of money. 100% goes to help Cascalheira.

Wendy picking the winning ticket!
Obrigada and Happy New Year!

Beautiful Children of Cascalheira

The past two Sundays we took four children each time to the mercado. We picked them up from Cascalheira at 8 AM. They were truly in their Sunday's best. Clean, combed and dressed and so very happy. Eating was first. Bellies full we continued on. They were excellently behaved, gentle with each other and with the goods. Look at these pictures, they are like any other child. You would never know they were from poverty and no opportunities.

How sweet is this? Stephanie cleaning Daniela's face.

A vendor with her son posing with us. She kept blessing us for taking these children to the mercado.

Flip flops for each one!

Daniel, Stephanie, Daniela and Francisco. Back home with their goods. We got the best hugs from them and they truly meant it.

First time on a trampoline for Regina and Tamiris.

After the trampoline they were ready to eat.

Odeilson and Felepe. Great boys with their new caps.

Another great Sunday for another great four kids!

What a welcome!

We went to Cascalheira without bringing anything with us. Just to visit and assess what has developed, what is needed to be done, etc. Of course there's no way to let them know we are coming, we just showed up. We always just show up. We had the most warm, friendly and affectionate welcome. The children gave the sweetest hugs, the adults with beautiful smiles and hugs. We have grown to love these incredible people. Look at the smiles. They are in our hearts. They live so simply. Barely anything is in their little shacks. For all of you who have helped and donated, our gratitude is very big. For those who are touched and want to reach out, please do so. As always, any amount is gratefully accepted. I would like to start a literacy/book club. Perhaps starting with a few children, around 8 and have them meet 2 hours 2-3 times a week with a teacher and they would read a book. If anyone has any ideas on how to get this started please email me at jtanyu@aol.com

Winner of Raffle Basket and 50/50 Raffle

Jean from Glen Cove, New York was the lucky winner of the Raffle Basket. Thank you all who donated fabulous items for the raffle basket and thank you for all of you who participated. It was fun!

The next fundraiser for Cascalheira is a 50/50 raffle. Great time for Christmas, Hanukkah or just to have some extra cash. The winner will receive half and Cascalheira will receive the other half of the total amount.

Tickets are $5 each. Cash is preferred. Please send money with your name and telephone number to:
Jessica Torok
P.O. Box 249
Mill Neck, NY 11765

Drawing will be the second week of December. Let's make it a great one!

Thank you!!

Wendy, helping Cascalheira

Please meet Wendy. We have been talking about the village of Cascalheira and she wanted to get involved somehow. A raffle was suggested. The donations of items to create a few raffle baskets has been tremendous. Thank you to all of you who gave. Wendy, being a talented and creative hair stylist is being creative again. She set up the basket at her business, she shows a small photo album of Cascalheira to her clients while she styles their hair. The raffle is $1 or $2 per ticket. This is the second basket that is being raffled off. It's been good. Thank you Wendy. Your care and help is greatly appreciated. It will make a huge difference for the people in Cascalheira.