John Stanko

I am preparing for my next group trip to Kenya next March, 2011 (I will make a solo journey to Kenya at the end of November).  Last year at Christmas time I raised money, toys, books and shoes to take with us and we had 29 bags of stuff.  You can read about what we did with those things at our travel blog. We raised everything through my nonprofit organization PurposeQuest International under the initiative name, the Deborah Foundation. (In the picture at left, you can see Maggie, one of the children's workers, simply overwhelmed by what we brought to just one orphanage.  We did the same for four others!).

Well, we want to repeat what we did last year again this year and Christmas is coming.  How can you help?

1. You can help your children go through their "stuff" as they prepare for Christmas.  Any educational toys, children's books or art supplies that they no longer need or want can be gathered for the children and shipped to me to take over.
2. You can send money to help us take the excess baggage with us. Last year we invested $3,000 in taking luggage stuffed with Deborah Foundation supplies.  The team going over asked before we left, "Is this worth it?"  Once we were there, they said, "We wish we could have brought more!' 
3. You can gather any used shoes, either children's or adult, to take with us to distribute to orphans,  widows and those in need. (Pictured right are two girls playing with one of the many balls we distributed while visiting the orphanages.)

Some people had home parties last year to gather things as a team, showing their children the power in corporate giving. Others went out and bought supplies and shoes. Some churches put out boxes for shoes, toys and books and then brought me what they gathered.  We have 25 people going over next March, so we already know we can take a lot of stuff.

You can give through my website or send a check to PurposeQuest at PO Box 8882, Pittsburgh, PA  15221-8882.  This holiday season, do something in the midst of your abundance for those who have little or nothing.  All contributions are fully tax-deductible.  Write me if you have any questions or for the address to ship things you have gathered or wish to send over.