SPONSORHIP

Touching Hearts offers mission trips and outreach activities for schools, churches, organizations, youth, adult and families to homes for abandoned, abused,and neglected children of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, serving hundreds of children. We provide groups and individuals opportunities to connect with children of another culture. Although language barriers are a challenge, lasting friendships are formed.

The homes are privately funded and depend upon charitable donations to provide for the basic needs of the children. Many times the homes struggle financially to meet the needs of the children for food, clothing and education.

Volunteers who participate are deeply impacted by the living conditions of the children on the border.

"The Texas A&M Rugby players had a great time interacting with the children and seeing how enthusiastic the kids were. It became clear to them that the provision of attention and love went a long way to overcoming other problems in life. This experience helped the players re-evaluate the things that were really important in their own lives."
Craig Coates, Texas A&M
Rugby Team, Head Coach

Touching Hearts offers a "Sponsor-a-Colonia" Program which provides food, clothing and other basic needs to poor families who live on the border.

Families seeking a better life travel to Mexico's border. Those who are not able to find work or afford to live on the border migrate to the outskirts of border towns forming Colonias. Many live without shelter;
others have dirt floors, un-insulated, wooden or cinder block shacks without electricity, running water or
indoor toilet facilities. Most live a "hand to mouth" existence, not knowing when they will have their next
meal.

Sponsors provide monetary donations to help these families with their basic needs. Your support helps
families stay together, breaking the cycle of broken homes which often leads to abandoned children.

"Through Touching Heart's 'Sponsor-A-Colonia' program, the St. Thomas More Middle School kids made a difference in the lives of many families."
Cynthia Klaer-Jordan,
RE Director,
St. Thomas More
Catholic Church

SPONSOR A PROJECT

Touching Hearts assists individuals and groups with projects for the homes for abandoned children and poor families in Colonias. Through their efforts, volunteers become aware of the needs of those less fortunate. They often return to their own homes much more appreciative and grateful for what they have in their lives. Volunteers have unlimited opportunities to participate.

A SAMPLING OF PROJECTS:

• Non-Perishable Food Drives
• Construction of Playgrounds
• Painting and Home Repairs
• Clothing and Shoe Drives
• Meat Donations
• Landscaping
• Sponsored Birthday/Holiday Parties
• Fundraising for Utilities and Other Expenses
• Donations of Art and Craft Supplies
• Sponsored Outings for the Children
• Sports Camps
• Donations of Spanish Books and Movies
• And many others

Testimonials...

"Through Touching Hearts, adults and youth have grown spiritually by serving and being served. I highly recommend this mission effort."
Father Bud Roland, St. Mary's Cathedral

"As a mother trying to instill Christian values in her children, it is important to me to find venues where my boys can touch the lives of others in service to them. By visiting a home for abandoned children in Mexico, they saw how privileged our lives really are and how others in the world need us. It was a great lesson for the family."
Debbie Hausmann, mother of Matthew (11) and Kyle (9)

"Our journey to Mexico taught us not to take things for granted, even ordinary practical appliances such as a washing machine and dishwasher. Looking at the bigger picture, we learned to appreciate our families and the commitment, love and support they show us on a daily basis. What we thought would be an awesome field trip-crossing the border to another country-wasn't just a field trip. It was truly a mission to put our faith into action."
Michelle, Allison and Catherine, 8th Graders

"Prior to my mission trip to visit a home for abandoned children, I told my wife there must be more to life than just working. I now realize there is much more to life - serving those less fortunate, especially children. I look forward to returning with my business clients and friends to build a playground for the children."
Kayo O'Keefe,The O'Keefe Group