When Erica Cale, and her mom, Nancy, traveled to Honduras with a close friend, Floria, to meet her family, they expected a vacation like most Americans imagine. They were looking forward to meeting Floria’s children, learning about her culture, and spending warm, relaxing sun-filled days at sandy beaches.
They were a bit overwhelmed at the airport when greeted by fourteen of Floria’s family and friends. Yet, they were more surprised to discover that their ‘welcome group?, who had traveled to the airport by bus, expected to be chauffeured back to their village in Nancy’s rental car.
Traveling to the airport by bus was a large expense for everyone who met them upon their arrival. Most Honduran families don’t have the luxury of owning an automobile.
Erica, 15, experienced a life vastly different from what she’s accustomed to in Clarkston.
She met families living in small, bug infested huts on state owned property near highways without access to water, no plumbing or toilets, and very little food.
She said that, ‘They get their water from a nearby river. They fill barrels with water for cooking and bathing.?
She met families with no food and sick children soiled, worn-out clothing and no shoes.
Erica met one man who is supporting a family of eight while earning $60 per week as a construction worker.
Another man had not eaten in a couple of weeks. What little food they did have was fed to his wife and child.
Erica bonded with the Hondurans quickly, ‘They are very affectionate, loving people. I knew immediately that my purpose in life was to help these people.?
Erica returned home with a strong desire and ambition to help the people she met. She immediately began sharing her story and educating people about the living conditions.
One of the first places that Erica turned to for support was her church, Clarkston United Methodist. ‘They have been very supportive with everything I’ve been doing.?
Her first fundraising event was a car wash which raised approximately $400. She has organized three.
Nancy mentioned that ‘Erica has always had a big heart. She has wanted to do fundraising since she was in second grade.?
Erica’s younger sister, Savannah, attends Academic Adventures in Waterford. With their support, a wheel-a-thon was organized for the young participants and approximately $850 was raised.
In August, Erica prepared a newsletter and sent it out to family and friends updating them on her mission. She’s continuing to receive donations from the recipients.
A donation of $25 will feed a child for a month.
She states in her newsletter, ‘My dream in life is to reach out and make a difference. It’s hard for me to explain what I’ve witnessed through my mission work. It truly is a life changing experience. My goal with this program and my mission work is to help one child and one family at a time.?
Erica and her mom have been to Honduras three times this past year. Each time they load their suitcases with donated clothing, food, and hygiene supplies.
‘Helping Hearts Helping Hands? is a non-profit organization pending tax-exempt status from the IRS.
Currently, 100% of all donations are going directly to help these families. Erica and Nancy are personally paying for all of their own travel and expenses.
In addition to raising $6000 through fundraising events and donations, Erica has distributed goodie bags filled with nutritional American treats, distributed over 1000 lbs. of donated clothing, 200 pairs of donated shoes, and passed out 80 soccer uniforms and equipment donated by Clarkston families.
There are now 80 Honduran boys playing soccer with Clarkston Impact and Clarkston Parks and Recreation uniforms.
Recently, she coordinated a pen pal program with a Girl Scout troop from Independence Elementary. Each Girl Scout is matched up with a child and Erica translates their letters into Spanish.
She’ll hand deliver the letters during her next trip at the end of this year.
A local family recently offered to pay for a shipment of 10? x 10? crate of food and supplies, a donation of approximately $1000. As a result of the corruption in Honduras, the crate will be picked up at the shipping dock to ensure proper delivery.
Erica’s long term goal is to build an orphanage where babies receive proper nurturing and medical care.
You can meet Erica and Nancy at the Alternative Christmas Fair taking place at the Clarkston United Methodist Church on December 1st from 9 am ? 1 pm and December 2nd from 10 am ? 2 pm. In addition to the ‘Helping Hearts Helping Hands? booth, there will be many charity groups selling gifts to support other causes.
For more information, visit: myspace/helpinghearthelpinghands or email Erica at: america23@comcast.net.
Michelle Phaup, founder of Lend A Helping Hand, enjoys helping people and working for a worthwhile cause. For information on Lend A Helping Hand: www.lendahelpinghand.org or 248.431.6727. To share a story about a local family member or loved one who can benefit from help within the community, email: Michelle@LendAHelpingHand.org.