02/16/2005: "'Seeds of Hope' for Sri Lanka Tsunami Relief"
The Sri Lankan pen pal project has been labeled, Seeds of Hope. The concept is very simple.
One self-addressed envelope-addressed by someone who wants a caring connection with a child or an adult in the tsunami devastated areas of Sri Lanka.
In the upper right corner of the envelope, where the stamp goes, write small enough so a stamp will cover the age and gender of the Sri Lankan person you wish to connect with.
In the envelope (do not seal), place your short note (as translation will take time away from other efforts) and a photo of yourself. You might include a strip of colorful ribbon or a sticker.
Originally, I indicated that one of our volunteers would provide the Sri Lankan postage. However, the project has mushroomed within a 12 hr period to such a level, that we are asking for a monetary donation from participating groups to help defray mailing costs.
This effort is the brainchild of one of the two psychologists from the Twin Cities who will be joining the second group of Minnesota Helps Sri Lanka people who leave March 8th and return April 7th. Don Moran will be a part of that group.
Information from the first group is that Post Traumatic Syndrome PTS is far worse than physical problems. This Seeds of Hope effort is meant to address the PTS.
Don will take your envelopes to Sri Lanka. We will need them in our possession by February 28th.
Today, I will also try to but together segments of email info from a teenager and an adult who have given me permission to do so, no names, just info. These two are presently serving with the MN group. You may find their experiences beneficial in classrooms projects.
The website: www.helpsrilanka.us has a photo gallery that posts pictures from Group 1 on a regular basis.
For more information: Millie Moran St. Cloud Area Seeds of Hope Coordinator (320) 251-2540
