I wanted to let you all know that i am currently collecting arts and crafts items to be donated for an organization called Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing project, Whose mission is to provide aid to and encouratge thee empowerment of the Oaxacan Immigrant in Ventura county. The focal point of MICOP's work is monthly community meetinngs designed to build a sence of community and self sufficiency among Ventura Countys Mixtec population, while helping Mixtecs access healthcare and educational and social services. Each meeting features an educational presentation (very important bec. since they speak their own dialect mixteco, the meetings conducted in Mixteco/Español), in addidtion Food, clothing, disposable daipers and health care items to approx 15o families per month. I VOLUNTEER AT THESE MONTHLY MEETINGS, and am in charge of the children's activity. So far, all the materials i have, I've paid for from my own pocket. Not only do i need MORE scissors, glue, paper, crayons, sequins, googly eyes, fabric BEADS, whatever! (new or used i don't care) or if you are addicted to the 99Cent stor if you buy me ONE craft item each time you go. If you want to make a cash contribution, i can give you the info of the Non profit Org, just send me your address. In addition to any craft items you are willing to part with that have lain unused and neglected for years let me know. I could really use them. Before too long, i'll have some photos of the kids and I, crafting away. And just a note, these meetings are more important than ever, because the farm workers are really feeling it right now, bec of that killing frost we had, they are all out of work! it's a terribly sad situation, and i get to take these kids minds off of things for a split second. Not only that, but the parents are allways all clustered around the bead activity. I've even held a baby while the entire family, Mom, Dad and the two older kids are beading. The Oaxacan have some real talent for crafts, beading, ceramics, and weaving and it's a really fun time watching what they do, but i am running out of everything! Please help!