As we venture into relatively uncharted territory, we want to be sensitive to the real needs of the Mexican people – rather than just acting on our own sense of what's best. One of the greatest ways we can contribute immediately to the work of La Vina is through financial support and raising awareness. Your simple act of generosity propels a network of development strategies that meet immediate needs including clean water, nutritious food and sturdy shelters. The Suitcase team feels lucky to participate directly in this effort.

Our purpose in being a part of this endeavor is to reach out and help those who are in need and to bring hope to a hurting community.

Having completed our fourth trip in 2008 we’ve we have built relationships and trust among the people.

*Our long term vision is to make a major impact on the Mazatlan community, and specifically the children. We are planning to transform the community by establishing 'Kids Town', an exciting environment for children of all ages to play and have fun and get their minds off the troubles of a difficult life. We will be constructing a quality structure with playgrounds, soccer fields and all sorts of fun things for kids to see and do within the many colonials within Mazatlan.

Please stay posted to the Project Smile website where we will be keeping you up to date on the latest developments of this exciting and life changing vision.

While our team is on site in Mazatlan, daily meetings with the local project management team will take place to develop budgets and timelines for Kids Town. This experience becomes a fruitful activity for our own people as they engage in direct, grass-roots project management on a project very different from our Suitcase work at home.

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