Transform a Child’s Holiday in Pisco, Peru this Year!

Matt Bell is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

The holidays are a time for joy, love, and giving. But for many children in Pisco, Peru—still struggling to recover from a devastating earthquake in 2007—this time is still fraught with need. That’s why for the past several years, some of us who volunteered after the initial trauma have helped support a yearly Chocolatada in their community.

A Chocolatada is a beloved Peruvian tradition where a village gathers to support the most vulnerable among them by sharing hot chocolate, cake, and small gifts. And of course, joining together, dancing, singing, and having fun!

It’s simple, but it brings incredible joy to children who rarely experience moments like these. A full belly (!!!), an in-the-box toy (!!!), and a chance to sing and dance with Santa (!!!), remind them that they are not forgotten.

Pisco lacks much of the societal infrastructure we take for granted. But, in addition to scant social services and inadequate housing, there's barely a middle or upper class available to pick up the slack.

Outside support is the only way the kids of Pisco will experience a Chocolatada, which is where we step in, with an international stage.

How You Can Make a Difference

A few dollars is all it takes to create this joy, and not only that, to let these children know someone who isn't even from their country cares about them. Last year, your kindness helped us put smiles on the faces of over 250 kids. This year, we aim to do it again.

We work with the organizer on the ground, Ricardo Martin Palomino Conislla, to understand the budget and ensure the funds are properly used (Fun fact: he was just a 15-year-old kid who would hang around the volunteers, and we've kept in touch ever since)

Every cent you give goes directly to creating a day these kids will never forget. Donations received beyond the first goal will be put towards including more children.

$7: Sponsors 1 child (about the cost of a Happy Meal at McDonalds)
$35: Sponsors 5 children (about the cost of a round of drinks w/friends)
$70: Sponsors 10 children (about the cost of a dinner for two)

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the costs:

Toys for 250 kids — 250 @ $4.50 = $1125
Paneton (cake) — 40 @ $2.89 each = $116.60
Hot Chocolate (milk, chocolate, sugar) — $151.25
A Clown! — $92.50
Fun Decorations — $124.65
DJ — $27
Dinner (noodles, tuna, olive oil) — $90
Snacks — $37.40

Nelly, age 17, and her two sons, Fabrice and Jorge, age 5 and 3.

Why This Matters

Your donation is a message of hope and love. It reminds these children that someone out there sees them, values them, and believes they matter.

I’ll never forget the rapturous jubilation of the kids as our car pulled up the first 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,” I said. Jaws dropped. Kids cheered. They literally couldn’t believe someone in a rich, far away land like the USA would ever care about them.

(That's me trying - and mostly failing - to entertain the kids!)

The glee in their faces as I handed out gifts was worth the price of admission, but the real epiphany came watching the kids have fun. It occurred to me that beyond the toys and cake, this is also the only time they get to feel like rock stars, and how much that feeling can change your life.

Your generosity helps continue this tradition.

Thank you for your help!

Matt Bell, Mel Achuka, Ricardo Martin Palomino Conislla