Give a Child in Need a Gift They'll Never Forget

Matt Bell is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

**Update**

Wow, Martin and I are really floored by your generosity. Thank you for making this party possible for 300 kids!

Any funds we receive past $1300 will now go towards purchasing new clothing. Some of these kids only have one or two things to wear and with your help, they'll get to know the feeling of having a brand new outfit to wear. It's hard to price these things but about $15 USD can clothe one child.

Thank you again for your kindness!

**Update**

Thanks to your generosity, we've reached our goal! But if one unfortunate fact is true, it's that there are more kids in need who can benefit. I've spoken to Martin and they will be able to distribute more food and toys to children who cannot fit into the event space (which is outdoors, it's summer down there!).

So, I've raised the goal an additional $400 to account for 100 more children. That's $4 per child -- less than one grande Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks.

**Original Post**

I created this fundraiser because I wanted to share with you the joy I felt taking part in a “Chocolatada," one of the most beautiful traditions I experienced during my time in Peru.

A Chocolada is an event that provides toys and entertainment to impoverished children, usually under the age of 7.

People gather gifts, toys, cake, and of course, hot chocolate (by which it’s named), and throw a full-blown party for children who would never otherwise know what being the guest of honor at a party feels like.

It is the only day of the year they get to play with anything new or receive a toy to call their own. Some of the kids even look bewilderingly at a wrapped present because they’ve never seen one before.

But a Chocolatada is more than just about acquiring a “thing.” It’s about making these kids know that their lives are important. It's about giving them the ability to expand, nurture, and grow their young minds.

I’ll never forget the rapturous jubilation of the kids as our car pulled up the Chocolatada I attended. You could tell they waited all year for this day.

“Are you from Lima,” one boy said as I got out of the car. “No, I’m from New York.”

Jaws dropped.

Kids cheered.

They literally couldn’t believe someone in a rich, far away land like the USA would ever care about them.

The glee in their faces handing out gifts was worth the price of admission, but the real epiphany came watching the kids have fun on stage. It occurred to me that this is also the only time these kids get to feel like rock stars. And maybe it will be the only time in their lives.

The toys are rudimentary, but it doesn’t take much to expand the creative imagination of a child, especially when your regular toys are a tin can or a broken bicycle. It's amazing how much so little can do to people who have next to nothing.

Since I can’t magically transport us to a Chocolatada (all apologies!), I'll settle for the next best: a chance for you to be a part of their story via this fundraiser. It’s super easy. It's not expensive. And these kids will remember what you did for them the rest of their lives.

My dear Peruvian friend Ricardo Martin Palomino Conislla and I want to raise $900 to provide a Chocolatada for 200 low-income children aged 1-7 in his hometown of Pisco, Peru. That's not that much, right? Anything from $5-$10 and up can show a child that someone out there (you!!!) cares about them. $20 pays for four kids! $40 pays for 8!

Martin (as he’s known) has been a friend of mine for over a decade now, and he never fails to awe me with his commitment to those less fortunate than himself.

He and I will keep this page updated with photos so you can see your donation at work.

The nitty-gritty details of where the funds go are listed below.

Anything you can give will help and you can see exactly what you are buying.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Please consider donating. There is no joy quite like helping a child in need discover their inner, creative voice.

Thanks!

Matt Bell

PS: We're starting this early, like pre-Halloween early, because prices go up on toys in December, so we want to purchase as many products in early November as possible.