LIBROS Fundraising Assistance

A few of our MEA-represented colleagues in the Library Department are involved in LIBROS, an organization dedicated to the improvement of library and information services for Spanish-speaking people in San Diego.  They asked us to publish the following letter to reach out to our membership about an important fundraising effort.  Thank you for your consideration!

August 25, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

74,000. That’s the projected number of children who will cross the southern border alone into the United States this year.  The ones who already have, mostly from Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, tell a tale of desperation.  These kids had to leave.  They faced levels of crime, gang violence, and poverty few others could comprehend let alone endure.  That these unaccompanied immigrants survived the arduous trip was itself a testament to their hopeful determination.  No one guaranteed their stay.  Maybe they’ll be allowed U.S. residence, maybe not.  Whatever the outcome, here they are by the thousands and counting, in detention facilities from which they cannot exit until the decision is made.  Sadly this process may take a long time.

We need your help.  We are LIBROS, the San Diego-based chapter of REFORMA, and we are concerned about the welfare of these children.  REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, has mobilized us to help provide backpacks filled with Spanish language books and other school supplies for the kids.  So far, a few caring people have offered to lend a hand.  We could certainly use more.  This is a massive undertaking that can be done faster, more efficiently, and made less difficult with your help.  If you would like to help, please email Melissa Solis, LIBROS Vice Chairperson, at sandiegolibros@gmail.com.  We want to work with you on this humanitarian effort!

For more information, please visit http://refugeechildren.wix.com/refugee-children.

Thank you for your generosity and compassion.

Sincerely,
LIBROS Children in Crisis Task Force