June 2008

Since May 27, 2008 through efforts of Geoffrey Tresador and his brainy friends, Dana LeTourneau's "Change for the Better," and today's 3rd monthly bake sale, we have raised $759.90!
 
I want to thank everyone today: Team Bocas Yacht Club (Sheryl, Judy, Marilyn, Eileen and Yolanda).. having your good will with me out in front of Lily's through rain & shine brought in $366.90 alone.  By the way, we have also been selling (along with those scrumptious baked goods) books and DVDs.  If you have some that you don't need anymore, pass 'em on.
 
The residents will be pleased to get their needed supplies and thank everyone for their help!  I have recently purchased items from Wongsa and Isla Colon and have $435.90 left.  The following little list is a daily/weekly sketch of how many supplies are needed to get the Asilo the ability to support their residents.
 
Daily:
31 eggs or slices of cheese or hotdogs (breakfast) with cereal
1 pound of coffee
2-3 quarts of milk
2-3 pounds of sugar
5 pounds of rice (lunch -- their main meal)
4-6 pounds of chicken or ground beef (we've been also trying to intoduce soy protein as a cheap and healthy substitute)
4-5 pounds of dried legumes OR pasta...
 
 
Weekly:
4 gallons of bleach
10-15 pounds of laundry soap
20-25 pounds of flour...
 
Additionally, the women need clothes.  They tend to wear skirts and blouses or dresses.  I've been observing that these things are really on their last legs.  If anyone has ideas on what to do, let me know.  The women residents are all so tiny!  Nothing I have certainly would fit them...
 
I am just amazed at what it takes and learn more every day as to what is needed.  I will be shopping through Toby Braxton in David for some more inexpensive ways of getting more supplies shipped over... Thanks for listening!
 
Your friend,

 

April  2008

.  The Freezer is only HALF EMPTY right now.  Thank you to Super Gourmet and Bongo's (who are making weekly meat donations), the local vegetable stand across from the bank (newly remodeled) and an anonymous donor from Santiago who mysteriously brought about 50 pounds of chicken, pork and beef.
 
.  The residents are being visited regularly by lots of people.  Recently friends have made lunch for them twice (lentil and split pea soup), organized a day spa giving manicures and skin care for arms and hands, among other visitations.
 
.  Those divider curtains, the brainchild of Claudio Talley, are wonderful and offer beauty and privacy to all the residents in their dormitory style rooms.
 
.  Ansa and the residents of the Bocas Marina have organized a canned food drive.  I delivered a full (and heavy) can, complete with used clothing today to the Asilo.
 
.  The Bake Sale funds brought in enough for a shopping trip to Rey and PriceSmart in David.  Toby and her crew delivered these items to Bocas free of charge.  Thank you very much, Toby!  The next bake sale will be May 3 at Bongo's and I will be in contact with you regarding your possible assistance.
 
.  From our kitchens to theirs.... Do you have extra of any of the following?  The jobs performed by Gloria, Olga and the other kitchen staff could be made much easier by way of the following:
 

· Plates — Large for Lunch / Smaller for Breakfast

· Coffee Cups

· Large Bowls for Mixing / Cleaning / Preferably Plastic

· Can Opener(s) — Heavy Duty for large cans

· Brooms (2 needed)

· Knives for cutting meat, vegetables, fruit (large and small)

· Lighters — Long ones to light the stove

· Flashlights

· Large Cutting Boards

· Blender

· Plastic Storage Containers

· Measuring Cup(s) and Measuring Spoons

Vickie


Needed items

Through out the year please remember our elders: 

•    Fresh Food, vegetables, fruit (grapes without seeds), anything homemade
•    Frozen chicken, meats (soft meats please)
•    Rice
•    Pampers (large)
•    Mistolin or other disinfectants
•    Bleach
•    Laundry Soap
•    Pineapple, orange, pear juice
•    Milk (case)
•    Eggs
•    Coffee
•    Disposable Shavers
•    Large black trash bags
•    Sliced Cheese (case)
•    Ice cream and treats!  Spoil them!