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Washington Evening Journal
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On His Path holding gift drive for Guatemala church
MT. PLEASANT - Local nonprofit foundation On His Path is continuing its Christmas tradition and holding its fifth annual Gifts for Guatemala toy drive through Nov. 5.
Annie Powell, administrative assistant of the nonprofit and an organizer of the Christmas gift event, said the nonprofit frequently works with Guatemala-based church Bethel Ministries International on various programs including the toy drive.
Powell added Jean and John Mitchell, founders of On His Path, developed a relationship with the ministry and 'saw a need there, and they have a heart for Guatemala.”
Last year, the community's donations allowed for 250 individual boxes to be given to children in the Central American country. The nonprofit hopes to exceed that number this upcoming holiday season.
'We just have a heart for helping others and the best time to do that is around Christmastime. We're a Christian nonprofit. Because of what Jesus has done for us, that just gets us to want to do work for other people and let them know we're here and we care about them,” she said.
Powell added the gift drive through On His Path may be more convenient for local residents because the nonprofit pays for all shipping and packaging fees.
'People can grab a gallon bag, fill them up and drop them off,” Powell said.
Recommended gift suggestions include toy cars, stuffed animals, stationary items such as crayons and stickers, hair accessories and toiletries. The nonprofit is asking for contributors to not include any food items, which can become messy and also delay the delivery through customs.
After donations are collected, On His Path is looking for volunteers to help sort and package the gifts in boxes. The nonprofit often receives a helping hand from WACO students taking Spanish classes but welcomes any community members who are interested in taking part.
With the global pandemic, Powell said donations may be more crucial this year. In addition to the toy drive, the nonprofit is currently making monthly contributions to the international ministry's food program, which provides meals to those affected by the pandemic.
'Especially with COVID-19, for the people in Guatemala, if they don't work, they're not going to eat. We're committed to helping until the pandemic is over,” Powell said of the nonprofit's goals.
Donations for the gift drive can drop items off at 120 S. Main St. Suite 103 in Mt. Pleasant by Thursday, Nov. 5. Those interested in participating in boxing the gifts can contact Annie Powell at 319-986-6358.
WACO students helped package gift boxes for children in Guatemala. Gifts were collected by local nonprofit On His Path. (Contributed photo)
Community members can donate to On His Path's gift drive by filling gallon-size bags with various items, which will be packaged and delivered to children in Guatemala. (Contributed photos)
WACO students who study Spanish often help local nonprofit On His Path to package gift boxes for its annual gift drive. The boxes are delivered to children and families in need in Guatemala. (Contributed photo)
Last year, local nonprofit On His Path delivered 250 gift boxes to children and families in Guatemala. The boxes were made possible by donations through the community. (Contributed photo)
Those interested in contributing to On His Path's Gifts for Guatemala gift drive are encouraged to consider purchasing small toys as well as toiletries and stationary to donate. (Contributed photo)
