COLLEGE GROVE, Tenn. – A Williamson County woman is collecting donations to help children in need half a world away.
With the community's help she is hoping to provide orphans in Rwanda with basic supplies and a chance to go to school.
“Some of them have attended one or two grades and their parents passed away and couldn’t support them anymore,” said Harmony Blake, founder of Matumaini’s Mission.
Blake started the non-profit organization Matumaini’s Mission with the goal of helping 52 children, ages 7 to 14, live more fulfilling lives. When participants sponsor a child, the money goes directly to covering the cost of tuition, uniforms, shoes, school supplies, and food for a child and their family. Right now 22 children have sponsors.
In addition, Blake is organizing care packages for each child. Each bag is filled with items ranging from toothbrushes and clothing to candy and toys. After putting out a request for help on social media, donations have been pouring in.
“I was blown away that a community came together so quickly,” said Blake.
For Blake, the cause is personal. She started the non-profit organization about a year ago after a mission trip to the area in 2011, and she adopted two boys from Congo.
“It’s heartbreaking to see these kids who are malnourished and have nothing,” said Blake.
Blake is planning to deliver all the care packages to Rwanda on August 23rd.
“This is going to be the most amazing trip I’ve taken yet because of all the support we’ve gotten,” said Blake.
For more information or to make a donation visit http://www.matumainismission.org. It costs $34 a month or $408 a year to sponsor a child. However, all donations are accepted.
