upcomingevents

The gift of JOY
During the fall semester school supplies are donated to two special education schools in the Yucatan
(Cozumel and Playa del Carmen). Each student writes a letter to Santa using the donated school
supplies. Parents and teachers help to determine an appropriate gift for each child. Santa and his
helpers help to make sure each child’s exact Christmas wish comes true!

The gift of LOVE
Carrie’s Heart also provides a complete Christmas for all of our families who are sponsored through the
Valerie Project. Each family receives a gift to improve the quality of life of the special needs child in their
home… special equipment, clothing, educational toy and a monetary gift to purchase a meal/presents
for the family.

The gift of HOPE
Carrie’s Heart is always in need of monthly sponsors for the ongoing needs of our sponsored children in
the Yucatan. Donors can give a gift of HOPE for the upcoming year for our families by pledging a
monthly sponsorship that will go towards meeting a specific child’s needs.

Pennies for Presents

Pennies for Presents is a community service project for Jr. High and High School students. Student
groups, classes and clubs can participate in fundraising for Carrie’s Heart Christmas by running a spare
change drive. Spare change can be collected during classes, club meetings, in the cafeteria, in the
community or in any way a group decides to fundraise! The money raised through Pennies for Presents
will be used to give the gifts of JOY, LOVE & HOPE to over 150 children with special needs in the
Yucatan this year! The funds raised from all the school groups participating will be pooled together to
buy as many presents as possible for the sponsored children from the special education schools in the
Yucatan.

Pennies for Presents is a great opportunity for students to:

1.        Develop leadership skills through organizing and running a student- led fundraising drive
2.        See that they are able to give to a cause & that even a small amount given can make a difference
3.        Understand that joining together they can make a difference in the lives of others
4.        Show compassion for those less fortunate than themselves
5.        Raise their sensitivity to and awareness of the needs of children with disabilities in their own
          community & beyond