Joy Haynes has been working with Global Colors since the beginning and sits on its board of directors. She was instrumental in securing pro bono representation with her former law firm, Fenwick and West, and, when she took a recent break for language studies in Argentina, she found a place where she could make a difference.

Although Argentina is far from a third world country, it did suffer a severe economic crisis in 2001, leaving much of the country in poverty. While there, Joy found an organization - Loscarasucias (Dirty Faces) - that is run by Monica Carranza, a woman who has given her life over to helping the children who became poverty’s unfortunate victims. Loscarasucias runs several homes throughout Buenos Aires. With help from a local friend and fellow volunteer, Erica, Joy found a home that cares for 39 children ranging in age from 10 months 13 years old.

Joy and Erica spent time at the home, and figured out a way to help. They wanted to do something special for these children, and decided it would be wonderful to be able to buy each child his or her very own backpack. They all attend school, except for the very youngest, of course, and although they have a roof over their head and food to eat (a lot of pasta and potatoes), it was painfully clear that they have nothing special of their own. Most of their belongings are hand-me-downs and donated used items. Joy believed strongly that these children deserved to have something brand new, even if just once.

Joy sent an email to her friends and asked for their help. THE RESPONSE WAS OVERWHELMING! She was able to raise enough money to purchase a brand new backpack for each child. And even better, each backpack had its own set of supplies waiting as a surprise inside. Each child, depending on his or her age, got pens, crayons, pencils, a pencil sharpener, a ruler, glue, white out, an eraser, a notebook, and scissors. The very youngest received stuffed animals and age appropriate toys. Not only that, but she was also able to purchase a beautiful bookshelf, which she stocked with over 120 books! In addition, they were able to purchase fun toys for the children as well as some much needed basic food and toiletries. Finally, Global Colors was also able to make a cash donation, distributed among the eleven women who work around the clock to care for these children. These women are paid very, very little and their hard work almost always goes unnoticed. Their initial shock was quickly followed by overwhelming appreciation that Global Colors realized how important they were in the lives of these children.

This project is a great example of a volunteer activity that can be realized while on vacation. The project needn’t be as large as this one, but can simply involve spending a day at an orphanage, a children’s hospital or a soup kitchen. For those of us who are fortunate enough to be able to travel abroad, it is a small way to give back.

THANK YOU JOY, ERICA, and ALL THOSE WHO DONATED TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE!