The boxes we collect and send at harvest time are only the beginning of the story. The extra money that is donated along with the boxes is used to pay for the transportation of the boxes, but any excess is used to buy food locally. This helps to bolster the local economy and also allows us to give items of food that cannot be taken in the boxes - perishable items like fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and milk. We are therefore able to support those who need some help through the harsh winter months, and where necessary into the summer.
Sonya, pictured on the right, is a single mother and widow. Her husband died in a car accident 5 or 6 years ago.
Ivanka and her husband are both unemployed. They have a child aged 20 months with a severe heart condition. The child has had two heart operations already and needs further surgery. The family live in extremely poor conditions.
Svetla is physically disabled and receives a small amount of monthly benefits. She is cared for by her parents, who are both ill. Their house is in a poor condition (particularly the bathroom) and very damp because the cellar is flooded.
Tina lives with her son and her father in poor conditions. She is unemployed.