I began making trips to Guatemala at the encouragement of a friend, and summer resident of Conover – Sharon Carlson. Sharon organizes trips at least once a year to the south-central part of Guatemala. We fly into Guatemala City and then travel by private van to various towns that we’ve made contact with. Usually Antigua is a ‘jumping off’ point to smaller villages.

We’ll make day-trips to various villages bringing a variety of items – whatever they’ve indicated they most need – school supplies or shoes for their children. We once helped to organize a “rummage sale” for a community with all of the items we brought them – huge military duffle bags FULL of clothing, and shoes. The village elders requested that rather than ‘giving’ the items away, the villagers paid a very nominal amount – say 10 cents for a pair of shoes – as a fund-raiser to help pay the electric bill on a new well pump we helped to finance.

It’s all about giving of what we can to those in dire need. It’s a physically, and emotionally demanding week, but it’s the most rewarding week of my year. If you’d like to take part in any way, just give me a call at the bakery – 715.479.3394.

If you'd like to do something to help the children of Guatemala here's your opportunity.  On my most recent trip to the Guatemalan Highlands I brought back 50 pounds of freshly roasted whole bean organic coffee from the Toliman finca, near the shores of Lake Atitlan.  The coffee is sold in 1 pound packages for only $10 per pound.  100% of the proceeds go to support the children of Guatemala and their higher education.  To order call Joyce's at 715.479.3394.