Trinity Presbyterian and Project Child:
A joint group effort to eradicate hunger and suffering in children in the Dominican Republic
 

The Project Child Small Group Ministry emerged in the summer of 2007 when Trinity members, led by Debbie O’Halloran were in the process of discerning what Trinity Congregation’s main focus should be. Would it be peacemaking, hunger or the environment?

Although some of the members had preconceived ideas as to which of the three would be Trinity’s main focus, it was a unanimous decision that the church should concentrate on becoming stewards of the environment. However, while discerning the topic of hunger, one of Trinity’s new member, Marcy DaLomba, brought in a very graphic video that talked about the organization Project Child, which was started by Marcy's sister, Lourdes Valladares and her husband Frank in 1999.

After viewing the video, it became very obvious to all of us that although the environment would be the church's main focus, we wanted Project Child to become a small group ministry at Trinity. We could not sit back and ignore the need.

Thankfully, Trinity is a family of faith that always answers the call to make a difference in the world.

 
The Valladares Family
Lourdes, Frank, Danielle
and Gabrielle
 

"I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these little ones, you did for me."
Matthew 25:40

HOW IT WAS . . .

It was 1991, when Lourdes Valladares traveled with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) to the Dominican Republic. During the day she would minister to the children through summer camps and churches. However, in the evening she would travel to visit the “forgotten children”, as she referred to them. It was one of those visits that would change her life. You see, she visited an orphanage where she found disabled children tied to beds, starving and unloved. The children were suffering from unimaginable illnesses, due to neglect and starvation. From that moment on Lourdes vowed to make a difference for these children.

 
Watch this unbelievable video to
Learn more about Project Child.
Visit wwww.projectchild.org to learn more about Project Child and how you can make a difference.
2007


Debbie O’Halloran begins the Small Group Ministry group for Project Child. Other members include Barbara DeCarlo, Jennifer Abraham, Debbie Chen, Marcy DaLomba and Jodie Abraham.

The first fundraiser is a letter-writing campaign to friends and family. The small group raises over $3200 dollars that year and an Angel themed dormitory that houses 6 children is opened in Casa de Luz - the Home/Hospital being built by Project Child that will eventually be home to 180 children. A plaque on the door reads Trinity Presbyterian. Other fundraisers included 3 bake sales.
Visit wwww.projectchild.org to learn more about Project Child and how you can make a difference.
2008


The group has various bake sales that raises over $1200. Women at the Well have a Spaghetti Dinner in October 2008 benefitting Project Child that raises over $400.

The Trinity/Project Child Cookbook – Trinity members favorite recipes are compiled into a cookbook that raises over $800. Trinity hasn't had a cookbook in over 10 years.

Towards the end of the year, Marcy DaLomba leads the group. The Sunday School children designate that their donations will go to Project Child. They raise over $700!

The small group ministry undertakes Grant Writing
by studying the "Biblically Based Grant Writing Program" on DVD for various weeks. The ultimate goal being to help raise funds for Project Child. Through the grants, we are hoping we will be able to help raise awareness of potential funders to the accomplishments, as well as the needs of the Project Child Organization, for both large funding to help complete the main building needs of the organization, as well as more moderate funding for the ongoing needs for day to day operational funding.
Visit wwww.projectchild.org to learn more about Project Child and how you can make a difference.
2009


THIS YEAR SO FAR . . .

The Sunday School children once again designate Project Child as the organization that their donations will go to. A thermometer poster will be showing the monthly progression of fundraising.

Feb. 2009 – Valentine’s Day Bake Sale for Project Child – The Bake Sales are now a well-known event at Trinity and anxiously awaited by all. The small group ministry sells over $400 at the first bake sale of the year.

The grant is finalized. The small group is now ready to start sending it to potential sponsors!

The Small Group Ministry holds
3 bake sales a year benefitting
Project Child.
 
For further information about our Small Group Ministry, please email Marcy DaLomba at marcydalomba@aol.com