Jonnie Harker had no idea that when she volunteered to help with the start-up of the Token Store in San Juan Cosala, this would lead her to getting involved another important project in this small, economically-challenged community.
While participating in last August’s community clean-up, Harker came across a worker who was there with his three children. When she asked why his children weren’t in school, Harker was told that the single, underemployed father had no money to purchase uniforms. And without uniforms, children are not allowed to attend school.
Harker set about collecting money to buy the uniforms. Once the task was completed, the three children were able to attend school for the first time in three years.
As Harker continued to work with the community, others in San Juan came to her with needs for uniforms. And she discovered that not only are uniforms needed to attend school, but a second outfit is also required so children can participate in extra-curricular activities.
Undaunted by the numbers, Harker collected more money and traveled to Guadalajara with a Mexican friend to buy in bulk. They returned with 12 uniforms, allowing six more students to attend school and six more to participate in after-school activities. It was a happy occasion when these students, wearing their new sport uniforms, helped earn their school first place in a village competition.
Harker recently returned to Guadalajara and outfitted 15 more deserving students with uniforms. She expresses her sincere appreciation for all who have contributed money to this endeavor.
“My goal is to assist as many as I can to be able to experience school, obtain an education, and hopefully excel and be able to qualify for higher education,” she says.