As I’ve mentioned before, every Thursday I volunteer at a children’s soup kitchen. The comedor is called Santa Faustina and is in the neighborhood Guaymallen, about a 20 minute bus ride from downtown Mendoza.
The children are constant entertainment! We try to teach the kids manners and proper hygiene, like washing their hands and saying “please” and “thank you,” since oftentimes they do not learn these things at home. After handing a young boy his dessert one day I asked him if he could say thank you. He stuck his tongue out, giggled, and ran away—well at least we’re trying!
Others are shy to talk but quick to show their appreciation:
The first day I brought my camera everyone was very excited to be captured on film!
Here is Lela, the saint of a lady that runs and organizes everything at the comedor.
In addition to Lela, these lovely
people are there every day of the week cooking, cleaning, and giving the kids a
safe place to enjoy a complete meal.
This Thursday will be our last official day of volunteering, so we are having a party! We’ve rounded up bags of candies, cookies, potato chips, and other treats the kids don’t usually get the chance to eat. We’re bringing balloons, music, and a cake! I also compiled some of the pictures to print and give to Lela as a thank you for all of her hard work.
Many of these kids have unbelievable stories and have been dealt very unfair circumstances. The comedor gives them a place to escape and relax and be surrounded by wonderful people!
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