Sorry for So Little Posting...

Story Time at LIMES

Me at the Queen Elizabeth Orphanage with Jamarck

I can't believe how much time has passed since I last posted, please excuse me (for being so young I am not very technologically inclined)... Anyways, for those that have been referred to this page recently, especially by way of Kids Without Borders, welcome! I have been back in Grenada now for a little over three weeks and have resumed my position at the orphanage and at an after school program called LIMES. With the help of Kids Without Borders I was able to bring down three suitcases full of donations. The donations included: children's clothing, books, school supplies, and water bottles (we use these at the LIMES program where we offer snack after each session to over 50 children). Thus far the donations have been put to excellent use and it was great seeing the children light up at the prospect of new items!

As of today I started an internship at the WINDREF research institute here in St. George's Grenada. I am conducting studies on the transmission of soil helminths (hookworms, roundworms, whipworms) in school children here in Grenada. Soil helminths infections are one of the most common infections in developing countries and have severe consequences if left untreated in children (severe diarrhea, growth retardation, developmental delay, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, etc.). Over the course of the next few months I will be evaluating samples for the presence of different helminths, and will implement an educational outreach program at the schools to help prevent the transmission of soil helminths... As my work progresses I promise to update this forum!

Thanks again and may everyone have a blessed week!!! :)

What is Gifts4Grenada?

Gifts4Grenada was created by Amanda Lynn Marshall, an outgoing 2010-2011 Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar sponsored by the Rotary District 5030. Amanda will be traveling to Grenada in July 2010 to work towards obtaining a MPH at St. George's University in Grenada. During her time in Grenada she will be volunteering with the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) and local orphanages. Prior to her departure, she decided to organize a supplies/donation drive to help collect goods/monetary donations for local community outreach organizations in Grenada (like the YWCA).

How Can You Help?

Both supplies and monetary donations are being collected to support Gifts4Grenada...

SUPPLIES BEING COLLECTED INCLUDE:

1. SEWING SUPPLIES: sewing machines, thread, sewing needles, fabric (for school uniforms, clothes, blankets, pillows), tape measurer, curved rulers, scissors, wool and crochet thread, glass/plastic beads, etc.

2. SCHOOL RELATED: markers, crayons, back packs, water color paint sets, paper construction/other, t-shirts (plain colors), pencils/erasers, reading books, craft supplies, Playdoh, stickers, glue, arts and crafts items, toys for children ages 4-13 yrs, chalk, white board markers, binders, name tags, etc.

3. TOILETRIES: cleaning supplies/gloves, adult/children diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, paper products, single bed sheets and pillow cases, aprons, etc.

4. COMPUTER/COMPUTER RELATED EQUIPMENT: computer desktop and or laptop (for the afterschool center), 110V surge protected power strips, copy paper, etc.

5. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SUPPLIES: flashlights, blankets, first aid kits, batteries (AA, AAA, D), sleeping tents, etc.

MONETARY DONATIONS:

Monetary donations can be made by visiting Kids Without Borders and in the "Designation Box" please specify that you would like the donation to support Gifts4Grenada. Kids Without Borders is an all volunteer 501c3 organization and 100% of the donation goes to supporting Gifts4Grenada.

Hurricane Ivan Grenada 2004