In an effort to help out the mountain village of Jucuarán, El Salvador, Hellas Hearts of Hope collected cash and in-kind donations to help make Christmas bright. Most of all, I had the privilege of joining on the trip to help document the experience as a gift to our sponsors. The children of Jucuarán start school in January, so the donations helped them start the school year off right. Additionally, we installed two brand new soccer goals donated by Hellas Construction.

To introduce ourselves to the village, we held a piñata day which was enjoyed by so many Jucuarán children. As word of our charitable efforts spread, neighboring villagers came to Jucuarán once donations arrived to receive toys, books, clothing and supplies. As you can see from the photographs, the turnout at the donation hand-out was phenomenal and locals helped us with unpacking everything.

Hellas Hearts of Hope photo gallery

Hellas Hearts of Hope debriefing before piñata day

Piñatas in Jucuarán courtyard

HHoH in the Jucuarán courtyard

Tianna playing around before piñata set-up

Girls at the playground

Young girl reaching to hit the piñata

Candy raining from piñata

Soccer-loving boy under the piñata tent

Toddler excited for candy

Jucuarán boys laughing

Passing out mystery prizes

Kids helping kids

Older local helped out

The Jucuarán Christmas parade

La India in the courtyard parade

Sarah and Erin get a photo with parade character

New friends followed us to lunch

Children of Jucuarán in the courtyard

Boy protects the piñata

The great piñata escape

High-jump to reach the piñata

Child and mother waiting for prizes

Group photo at the gazebo

Hearts of Hope donations arrive in Jucuarán

Village of Jucuarán waiting in anticipation

Local men help unload the donations

Boxes stacked and banner hung

Salissa unloads toys to waiting girls

Erin handing out clothing to women

Courtyard packed with Jucuarán villagers

Newly installed soccer goals