Community is a word that is used to describe a group of people having similar interests; a group of people living in one location; residents of one nation, one state, one town, one village and so on. Community is most often used to describe a population of people but it can also be used to describe a feeling amongst a group of people. Fortunately for NicaLove, community is both.
The NicaLove community encompasses such a powerful group of people and it also encompasses such a powerful feeling of support, hope, care and equity.
NicaLove’s community allows each of us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It allows us to be a part of a physical community of people who care and it offers a feeling that is difficult to describe in words. This feeling is a gift and to describe this gift would be impossible. Join us, you’ll know the gift. It’s a feeling you can’t shake and one you’ll want to nurture forever.
I’ll share with you some examples of the NicaLove community coming together to be a part of something bigger, something that impacts the lives of the receivers, something that impacts the lives of the givers and something that fuels the life of the NicaLove community.
Charitable birthday parties:
For the past eight years, local children, including my own daughters, have hosted giving parties, collecting school supplies, art supplies, sporting goods, toys and more. We’ve learned that children also want to be a part of this bigger “something” as much as you and I do and birthday parties are a fantastic vehicle to involve our kids in giving. Over the years, we have carried hundreds of pounds of donations to Nicaragua and distributed to schools and orphanages. It mattered then and it continues to matter as I watch the choices our children make around giving.
Yard Sales/Bake Sales:
Simple fundraisers are another way to involve community in one location to support a community in another location. In the US, we raised money to support veterinary clinics, school projects, orphanage needs and other ongoing projects in Nicaragua all simply through hosting bake sales and yard sales.
Micro-loans:
On an as-needed basis, we have offered 0% interest micro loans to motivated individuals who hope to create a sustainable income for themselves and their families. We listen to the ideas, offer advice, ask questions and when appropriate offer this individual a risk-free loan in order to bring his or her idea to fruition.
Sports Gear:
In 2013, we collaborated with local baseball leagues and other passionate individuals to collect used gear and we formed, “Double Playgear.” Over a two-year period, we collected thousands of pounds of used baseball gear and shipped, in partnership with other American organizations working in Nicaragua, via containers on cargo boats. We also carried gear down on every visit. Double Playgear hosted collection drives throughout the Seacoast of NH and we not only provided the baseball players of Nicaragua, from t-ballers to adults, gear and uniforms but we also helped foster confidence, sportsmanship, commitment and a sense of pride.
Due to customs, this project has been suspended
https://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20130419/NEWS/304190406
Orphanage:
This is where our work in the community began. It was on my first trip to Nicaragua that a local connection introduced me to a children’s home to visit and explore opportunities to volunteer. It was on this first visit that I knew I had found a way to be a part of a greater effort to support these children. Our family helped support this orphanage with volunteer hours engaged in play and activity with the children and we supported various projects to the physical structure of the orphanage. At one point, the orphanage was robbed and we were able to fundraise over $7,000 to enhance the security at the orphanage. Sadly, this orphanage is no longer in existence. It was a community that gave so much to my heart. If it still existed, you’d find me there today.
Education:
Since 2014, we have offered financial and volunteer support to the school in Jicaro. This school community has needed structural repairs, school supplies, dental and sanitation items, educational materials, computers, English classes and more. We have worked to support this community with most any need that has arisen. And, this community has entrusted us and supported our work at all times. Most recently, we have partnered with two other organizations to collaboratively bring food, sanitization and medicinal aid to the children and their families during the pandemic. Currently, NicaLove, Amor Por Los Ninos and Spread Aloha to the World have raised enough funds to provide four months of aid to each family in this rural impoverished community.
Being a part of community is the heartbeat of NicaLove. We thrive on community. We exist because of community. We are better because of community. Community is who we are, what we do and how we feel. It fuels us.
We hope you’ll join our community and receive the gift of the NicaLove feeling!