After last years trip, word has spread of the work we are doing and the number of requests for assistance have increased dramatically. After much deliberation we have narrowed it down to 3 schools that we'd like to help this year. To meet these objectives for our 2009 mission trip our fundraising goal is $10,000

First on the list this year is Torrington. We have been working with them since our first trip, and this year we would like to complete the process. Torrington averages 160 students, most of whom arrive at school hungry, many days they must feed them before teaching or the children can't stay focused. The problem is they don't have a kitchen equipped for that type of preparation. They need a new stove, freezer and 3 bay sink for washing the dishes. As you can imagine cooking for 160 children and doing the dishes as well, is a daunting task even in the best of conditions. By supplying these items, they will have the ability to feed the kids, and clean up properly. It will also qualify them for government assistance with food.

Next on the list is Moreland Hills Primary School. We first met Christine Leslie the principal of  Moreland Hills last year. We had an extra copy machine with us, that needed a good home, and we were directed to her by the principal of Little London Primary School. Although they are pretty well equipped for learning materials, they lack any type of  recreational equipment. Miss Leslie has asked for a swingset, soccer balls for the boy's volleyball and or net ball equipment for the girls. This would give the kids activities for recess time, and after school activities as well.

Next on the list is Mt Airy Schools Lower Division. They have been trying to raise funds to repair their modular classroom and to build another one, as they currently have 53 students in a 12 x 20 classroom, and for a 650 gal water storage tank as the school currently has no water. . We would like to provide a 40 ft High Q shipping container for the modular classroom, effectively doubling the size of the current one. The benefit to this is that the shipping container is hurricane proof and has an estimated 40 year life span. We can use the doors and louvered windows from the current modular to finish it out. Providing them with a water storage tank will provide drinking water as well as water for washing their hands. We would also like to bring them a swingset and playground equipment.

Mt Airy was brought to our attention by our friend and driver Brent. We first met Brent last year, and when he heard about what we were doing he offered his services free of charge. When we learned that he had a little girl, we asked him if there was anything we could do for her school, this it it. Brent is a priceless contact on the ground in Jamaica and a good friend. A veteran of the Jamaican Military he knows seemingly everyone, and has a knack for finding just about anything. We would like to make this happen to honor his commitment to helping us, help others.