Several of our members made a pit stop at the Outreach for Nazareth Orphanage in Tecate, Mex., on Saturday, November 5. We dropped off school supplies and helped a bit in the computer lab. We were pleased to meet volunteers from the San Diego County foundation which supports the orphanage's work. Our Rotary club is exploring ways to support its next event in January. We were all really moved by the experience. The children were so grateful for the school supplies, the donated computers from church groups in San Diego, and the interaction with the volunteers.
The same day we visited the orphanage, we continued on to the home for abandoned seniors in La Rumorosa, Mex. There, we dropped off food, blankets, and clothing for the coming cold weather. We are planning a return to La Rumorosa on Saturday, December 3, to make facility improvements. For example, the seniors' home is without hot water again. Our club is exploring ways to purchase and install a new water heater, as well as a water pump to ensure the water heater has sufficient flow to continue operating without interruption.
La Rumorosa is in a high desert region of northern Baja California. It is bitterly cold in the winter and brutally hot in the summer. In many ways, it seems the center could not have been located in a more desolate region. La Rumorosa has one main traffic artery. From there, a dusty, deeply rutted side road leads to the Casa Para Pobres Desamparados.
Special thank you to the Chula Vista Rotary Club (the Noon Club) for its partnership and donation to support our work. In addition, Rotary District 5340 grant funding is assisting our efforts in support of the center. The day was a long one, but members Julio Armenta, Miriam Gonzalez, Miguel Hernandez, and Anthony Millican had a great discussion on ways to make a more lasting impact for the residents of the seniors' home.
We invite others to help us with the seniors' project, the orphanage, or other service and fellowship opportunities in the weeks ahead. The "season of giving" begins with you.