Dear Friends,
Rejoice! That is the word that comes to me as I sit down to write this letter to you. I am overjoyed to report that 2008 has been an incredible year for SchoolBox. With your help, we have built two schools and one library, given out over 3,400 educational packages to individual students, partnered with 26 community schools in Central America, provided soccer coaching and equipment to marginalized youth, included over 300 children in our dental hygiene program, and so much more. It is amazing to think that we - you and I - have come together to accomplish so much.
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In November and December 2008, SchoolBox and 10 volunteers helped to build a new school on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua.
See more photos of this recent project.
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In 2008, hundreds of people joined me to create change in Central America. Through our efforts, SchoolBox empowered 3,490 children to learn to read and write this year. That is a massive number. Imagine how many dreams, opportunities, and lives we have affected. 
To my great joy, over 30 of you joined us in Central America to share this wonderful dream with the children. I think of Sarah Kerr, my own personal super-hero, helping to coordinate the construction of two schools and a library; of Nancy Hernandez, an Ottawa Valley high school student who carried cement blocks and rebar on her March break so that the children in an isolated island community could have a school; and my wonderful Mom, who worked along side me to build hope in communities that need it so much.
What we have accomplished together is remarkable. What we will accomplish together is miraculous. Together we can. There is no limit to the work that we can do, the lives we can change, or the hope we can create. Thank you for believing. Thank you for trusting. Thank you for knowing that we are the CHANGE.
On behalf of the incredible children whom we serve, I say Muchas Gracias.
Thomas Affleck
SchoolBox Inc. Founder
www.SchoolBox.ca
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Give the gift of education this holiday season
Every donation to SchoolBox, no matter how large or small, makes a difference in the lives of children in Central America. Your contributions will provide school supplies, sports equipment, dental hygiene tools and help fund school building projects - making the future bright for thousands of students.
$2 gives one child an educational package including notebooks, pencils, eraser, ruler, and a pencil sharpener. A lack of basic educational materials is repeatedly sited as a primary cause in Central America for children dropping out of school before grade 5.
$4.50 opens a world of amazing words to our students with a new dictionary. The majority of the classrooms that we work in do not have a dictionary.
$22 gives one teacher a classroom package including chalk, scissors, planning notebook, pens, pencils, eraser, acrylic markers, and craft supplies. With this donation you are helping classrooms to function, children to learn, and teachers to teach.
$35 provides a desk and chair for a student in one of our partner schools. SchoolBox buys top quality metal desks and chairs that will stand the test of time. Students will be sitting on your gift for generations.
Donations will also be used to fund the building of new schools, such as the upcoming Jezreel school build. Located in one of Central America's largest slums, this incredible school provides a basic education for over 200 children. Since its inception in 2002, the Jezreel School has had to move locations seven times. SchoolBox wants to provide a permanent home for this unique and important school. It will cost CDN $40,000 to purchase the land and build the school. If you would like to contribute specifically to this project please indicate so on your donation. Join with us as we make education possible in this important community.
All donations can be sent to:
SchoolBox Inc.
2643 - 8th line of Ramsay
R.R. #1, Almonte
Ontario, Canada
K0A 1A0
Donations can also be made online.
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