“Skip a Lunch, Save a Child” supports “head start” early education and nutrition program in Haiti. One focus of Rich in Mercy is to provide opportunities and inspire initiatives to meet the material and spiritual needs of the poorest populations of the Americas. Marlene Shaw, from Republic, PA, made a “reverse mission pilgrimage” to Haiti in 2001 and was inspired to support a special program for pre-schoolers in the St. Louis Marie de Montfort parish in Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti.  This program, run by Sister of the Holy Union Eileen Davey, offers early education and nutrition to more than 50 “at risk” toddlers.  Marlene sent out a letter to friends and family members asking them to support this program by contributing just $5, about the cost of one lunch, each month. Through this “Skip a Lunch, Save a Child” program Rich in Mercy is able to provide about 30% of the funding needed for Sr. Eileen’s program. Our goal is to increase this amount to about 50% of the needed funding. During Lent 2004, the Rev. Bill Pieringer, pastor of the Calvary United Methodist Church of Ligonier, PA invited his congregation to participate in “Skip a Lunch, Save a Child” by giving up meals and contributing the money to Rich in Mercy.  About 50 members of the congregation have become sponsors! Mesi anpil! (“thank you VERY much”) Contributions to “Skip a Lunch, Save a Child” can be made on the RIM donations page or by sending a check made out to “Partners in Progress” with RIM Skip a Lunch on the memo line to:  Partners in Progress, 329 N. Fairfield Street, Ligonier, PA 15658.  Read more about his program by going to the RIM Solidarity Stewardship page! Return to Previous Page