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Lasell Rakes Up Cash for Niños de Veracruz
November 22, 2010
On Saturday, November 20, a contingent of more than 50 Lasell students and alumni hit the streets of Newton to take on the annual fall yard clean up -- for a good cause.
Since 2003, Lasell students and alumni have been raking leaves around Newton in order to financially support the organization Niños de Veracruz, Mexico. Niños de Veracruz, Mexico is a student-run, non-profit that provides scholarships and microloans to school children, their families and fledgling businesses in a small village outside Coatepec, Mexico.
During its first year of operation, the organization sponsored one 6th grader with a $200 grant which underwrote the cost of shoes, school uniforms and books. Today, the non-profit distributes approximately $10,000 annually in the form of scholarships (more than 100 since 2005) and no-interest loans. The Niños de Veracruz microloans have helped borrowers meet urgent medical needs, provide basic shelter and allowed prospective clothing manufacturers, food vendors and others to launch their small businesses.
Last year alone, the annual all-volunteer leaf raking event generated almost $4,000, which is more than most families in the Coatepec area earn in a year.
According to Lasell Professor Stephanie Athey, this year netted more than $4,000 for the organization.
