May grad seeking donations for Guatemala relief trip

Consuelo Rabanales, a May 2010 graduate, will return to her home country of Guatemala on July 13 with a team of volunteers – that includes York College senior Scott Poulter – to help those affected by the recent eruption of the Pacaya volcano and torrential rains from tropical cyclone Agatha.

She is seeking donations of household, first-aid and school supplies as well as money to assist with her relief efforts.  Items may be dropped off at the Living Word Community Church, 2530 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion, from now until July 8 (Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).  The contact at Living Word is Pam Myers, 717-755-0089, extension 102.

From Consuelo: 

We are going to be in Mixco, Guatemala City to work in a local shelter with 143 people. We will provide supplies and food, as well as help clean the area and work with children. At San Vicente Pacaya, the area of the volcano, we will conduct interviews with local people at Los Positos, a shelter for the hundreds who lost their relatives and homes – 18,000 people, 400 children. We hope to contribute to the medical clinic, kids activities and sports actives for youths, and deliver food and supplies. There’s a big need for medical supplies, including over-the-counter items for eye irritation, skin allergies and cough medicine.

 At Reu and San Marcos, we’ll visit two local families, get groceries for them, conduct interviews, provide supplies, and help to clean.  At a local orphanage, we will have a two-day program with kids launching a project called The Viewfinder Project. For this, we need at list 50 more disposable cameras or 25 used cameras and film. Digital cameras are an option as well.

Additional fundraisers:

July 6 - Isaac's Fundraiser Day  - At the York Galleria Mall location, Isaac’s will donate 25% of any purchase. Need to present form (available through email) to participate.

Rita's Ice Cream Sale – For each quart purchased at $4.40, Rita’s will donate $1. Need to get a ticket to make donation.

 For more information on fundraisers or making donations, contact Rabanales at consuelorabanales@yahoo.com.