India-bound Karen Schierman is looking for a few items for an orphanage there
Karen Schierman, of the Jay Phillips Center for Jewish-Christian Learning here at the University of St. Thomas, sent along the following note and request regarding a trip she is taking to India this month. Part of her trip involves a visit to an orphanage, and there are a few things they could use. Here's her note:
I will be going to India Aug. 11 to 27 for a yoga retreat and to volunteer at Mother Miracle School and Orphanage, located in the city of Rishikesh, India, situated on the Ganges River at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains.
As a nonprofit humanitarian organization, Mother Miracle Program’s mission and goals are to help underprivileged children, families and communities in India become healthy, educated, and self-sustaining members of society.
For children and youth, they provide quality education and vocational training free of cost, as well as health, nutrition and basic needs.
For needy families, they construct homes, provide building supplies and basic furnishings, as well as provide emergency aid for unexpected circumstances.
For community development, they provide resource materials and teacher training. They help people develop their skills and expand their businesses with small loans to produce a sustainable income to care for their families. They educate the community on environmental awareness by organizing clean-up drives and distributing trash cans. They also create playgrounds and sports facilities for children.
I will travel with my daughter-in-law, Wendy Schierman, a yoga instructor who owns a salon and spa in Hutchinson, Genesis Salon and EnsoSpa. Its mission is to promote wellness and wholeness.
We have been encouraged to donate to the school by contributing to their list of needs. And while we are bringing toothbrushes, toothpaste, pencils, pencil sharpeners, clothes and other small items, they are in need of a couple of laptop computers and digital cameras. Can anyone help? They can be used, but in good working order. We leave on Monday, Aug. 11, but would need the items by Thursday, Aug. 7.
Thank you for your consideration!