The community of San Martín Chiquito, a town in the larger municipality of San Martín Sacatepequez, is home to more than 500 families—many, with five or more children. Conditions are extremely difficult, with about 80 percent unemployment and more than 80 percent of the population living in poverty. Thanks to the generosity of June Russel-Glennon, Rachel Vargas and friends, and Mel Dinkel, Xela Aid donors in the United States; the efforts of Amalia Vasquez, Xela Aid coordinator in San Martín; and a seed grant from the Guatemalan government, Xela Aid was able in January of 2006 to launch "San Martín Tots" Pre-school (known there as Guardaria San Martín). A short walk from Xela Aid's clinic, this facility offers care, instruction and hot meals for pre-school-age children each weekday, and features a classroom, playground, and full traditional kitchen. Children not only learn to begin to read and about history, geography, and simple math; they also learn about hygiene and brushing their teeth, get to play in a safe and supervised environment, and receive two hot meals each day. In a pueblo where pre-schoolers have never had the opportunity to get a head start on learning, mothers are overburdened with the daily responsibilities of caring for a large family during very difficult times, and meals are commonly delayed or missed altogether, the San Martín Tots is a service  |that is tremendously appreciated.

You can help by gathering school supplies for San Martín Tots, and by supporting the program (contact Leslie Baer before collecting). Sponsor a full month for just $500 or otherwise donate. All contributions will be appreciated.

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Many thanks to Marisa Grimes, who will sponsor the major portion of San Martin Tots operation this year. We at Xela Aid are extremely grateful for her generosity. Thanks, too, to the following funders who've come forward so far for 2008:

• RJ and JK Ehmsen
• Cora G. Elliott
• Don and Betty Rosine
• United Methodist Women of Santa Barbara

Additional thanks to Martha Saatjian, Xela Aid 15th Anniversary trip participant who, touched by the students, teachers, parents and of course the dire need, took it upon herself to invite support for this project for 2008 and 2009.

Thanks to all these individuals who have made it possible for San Martin Tots preschool to operate for 2008.