Micaela spends a week or two in Puerto Vallarta each year in February. She is currently 15 and several years ago asked to visit the Refugio because she was adopted and felt that she could relate to the children living in the shelter as their biological families were also unable to care for them in a safe, secure, nurturing way.
She felt so connected to the children that upon returning to Idaho, this amazing young woman decided to become a shoe fairy. During the school year, she undertakes various fund raising activities such as bake sales to generate the funds to buy the children shoes. Not only does the child receive shoes, but he or she gets to go to the store to purchase them and to have an ice cream treat afterward. It is a wonderful, special day supported by a 15-year old girl from Idaho.
When Micaela visits in February she also brings items she notices are needed. Sometimes, it is toothbrushes. Other times, it has been socks or underwear. Although Micaela’s overall goal is to reach $2000 and she is close to achieving it, she contributes on an ongoing basis, thereby providing not only shoes but supplies as they are needed.
It is remarkable that someone so young could recognize a need and make it her mission to fulfill it. It is an example of how good can come from one person identifying with another while acknowledging her own good fortune. It reminds us that there are no age limits to generosity of spirit and kindness to others. We at the Children’s Shelter of Hope Foundation applaud Micaela.
We also welcome others to become involved, as Micaela has, by joining us on Facebook, contacting us to visit or volunteer while in Puerto Vallarta, or by checking our “Current Needs” list at the end of each newsletter and finding ways to contribute some of these items.