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Poverty engenders physical
and mental abuse, teenage pregnancy, drugs, and prostitution.
With all 9s and 1Os on a report card, one
would think such a hard-working young San Felipe student
would be bound for college in a few years. Unfortunately,
many outstanding students do not even finish junior
high or high school here because their parents cannot
afford the tuition, supplies and uniforms. Children
like these may never realize their potential because
they have no idea of the opportunities that await.
Diminished expectations breed
a sense of hopelessness.
The San Felipe Rotary Club has discovered that hundreds
of children in our community need glasses. Adults
also line up whenever there is the possibility of
obtaining pre-worn glasses. In addition to vision,
there is a need for hearing aids and therapy equipment
for children with special needs. Unaddressed disabilities
produce feelings of inadequacy and failure.
How Are We Helping?
Our three major projects are:
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The Gracie Sanchez Educational
Program
At present the Rotary Club, with the help of schools,
other organizations, and individuals is sponsoring
60 students in junior high school.
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Book Buddies
The Book Buddy project provides books in Spanish
to the schools of San Felipe. Through a Rotary International
grant, it is helping to furnish libraries and provide
computers for the poorest schools.
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Vision Project
Testing children for visual problems and providing
them with prescription lenses is being paid for
through a variety of fund-raising activities. We
have also applied for a matching grant from Rotary
International.
How Can You Help?
Encourage schools, other organizations, and individuals
in your area to sponsor a student for $100.00 per year.
Purchase school supplies: spiral and bound notebooks,
crayons, markers, colored pencils, geometry tools, etc.
Obtain books in Spanish for children and also for adults.
Purchase bookmarks at People's Gallery and the San Felipe
Title Used Book Store. Donate to any of the projects
or to Unspecified Funds which are used to help with
unexpected crises and needs.
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