The St. Isidore Council of Catholic Women (CCW) is a busy bunch of women with big hearts. In April, CCW members will be hard at work preparing for their annual Cookies for Kids Sale held after masses on April 30 and May 1.
Not only do the baked goods taste delicious (yes, I have sampled many of these delectable treats!), but the ladies package everything so it’s visually appealing. Parishioners are generous in supporting Cookies for Kids and last year’s sale brought in over $2,ooo.
The “kids” who benefit from Cookies for Kids live at Nyumbani Children’s Home in Kenya. CCW has donated the proceeds from the sale to Nyumbani for nearly 10 years. Nyumbani, which means home in Swahili, provides care to more than 120 HIV-positive children. Parishioner Carol Osburn spent time volunteering at the home during her mission trip in 2004 and shared with CCW how devastating HIV/AIDS was in the community.
The home was founded in 1992 and was originally a hospice. With access to medication and proper nutrition, the facility transformed into a home. According to its website, Nyumbani provides “comprehensive medical, nutritional, dental, life-skills, psychological, academic and spiritual care.” (www.nyumbani.org)
Some of the children who come to live at the home were abandoned by their families due to the stigma of HIV/AIDS. Others are there for respite care and eventually return home to their families who receive training in caring for their needs. The end goal of the Nyumbani is to successfully reintegrate the children back into their families or to independent living.
The children live in cottages which include a house parent, typically a grandparent, and up to 14 children. Facilities include a medical clinic, pharmacy, water supply, greenhouse, and pig and poultry pens.
So when you buy your sweets at the Cookies for Kids sale, rest assured you are making life a little sweeter for some children half-way across the world.