LONGVIEW, Texas — Defining moments, you know, those small instances in the day that seem to make everything right; that make every effort worthwhile. I experienced one of these instances just recently during our STARS After-School Program. 

In between discussing math problems, reminding the students to use encouraging words instead of negative, and keeping them focused on their tasks, one student approached me pointing at the bulletin board. 

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By Analiz G. Schremmer

OAXACA, Mexico — In baggies that read, “Cobijando sus Pasos” or “Blanketing your Steps,” 247 Zapotec children in Oaxaca, Mexico received new shoes in December.

An additional 1,326 pairs were distributed to children throughout the country, said Dexton Shores, director of ministry development.

“Of the 1,326 pairs, 219 were collected in the first national shoe drive in Mexico. Nineteen Mexican churches participated,” he added. Read the rest of this entry

DALLAS—Christa Wood, 10, was watching the news on Haiti with her babysitter when she decided she had to do something.

“It’s like I had no choice. I had to do something,” Wood said.

Wood, a fourth-grade student from Saginaw, and her babysitter, Julie Sanderson, talked over the situation and came up with the idea of Hugs for Haiti.

Lara Deviller, Wood’s mom, said that the program started as something that was just in her daughter’s school, but has grown into something bigger. Drop-off stations now include Wal-Mart, 1st Convenience Bank and several restaurants, shops, multiple schools and other businesses in Saginaw.

“Right now we’re at close to 600 bears,” Deviller said.

Wood said that she was determined to do something “incredible” and added that stuffed toy donations are something practical that kids can give away.

“And I think it’ll be good for the kids in Haiti because it’ll make them feel safe and give them something to love,” she said.

Matt Asato, director of international humanitarian aid at Buckner said he is encouraged to see young people stepping up to help the orphans in Haiti.

“These children are dealing with significant trauma and the gift of a stuffed animal will go a long way to comfort them alongside the other vital aid we’re collecting and sending.”

Hugs for Haiti can also be dropped off at the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid at 5405 Shoe Drive Mesquite, Texas 75149. Call 214-328-7463 to schedule a time for delivery.

DALLAS  —  Buckner International, a global non-profit that helps orphans, vulnerable children and families, shipped more than 23,500 pounds of aid to the victims of the Haiti earthquake this morning.

The shipment, which filled an 18-wheeler truck with aid worth more than $95,000, is part of a collection of donations provided by people who have given online or dropped off items to the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid located in 5405 Shoe Drive Mesquite, TX 75149.

Buckner is asking donors to consider putting together hygiene kits for Haiti. Kits should contain items in this picture and be sealed inside a zipped baggie.

“This load is one of four that we plan on sending to Haiti,” said Matt Asato, Buckner director for international humanitarian aid. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of our donors and our volunteers who come to the warehouse to put together hygiene kits and sort the gifts.”

The aid is expected to arrive in the Dominican Republic on Feb. 20. From there it will be driven across to Haiti where partners on the ground will distribute it.

Buckner is still accepting online and in-kind donations. To give to Haiti relief now, call 1-800-774-7463 or learn more about the items being collected at www.buckner.org/haitirelief .

By Analiz G. Schremmer

HOUSTON—Jimmy Johnson, who has served as administrator and interim executive director at Parkway Place, a Buckner senior living community, was named executive director effective Jan. 1.

“Jimmy is able to apply his business smarts and knowledge about the continuum of care to lead well,” said Pearl Merritt, president of Buckner Retirement Services. “He is also greatly loved by the residents and has a great deal of heart and compassion.”

Charlie Wilson, vice president of operations at Buckner Retirement Services, said that he is very confident in Johnson’s leadership.

“Jimmy brings compassion for older adults and strong business acumen to Parkway Place,” he said.

Before working at Parkway Place, Johnson worked at HCR – Manor Care where he was responsible for the overall management of skilled nursing and assisted living. He also worked as executive director at Sears Methodist Retirement System in Abilene, Texas from 2000-2005.

“It truly is an honor to lead within Buckner in this capacity,” Johnson said. “Buckner is recognized and well respected in the community and state as a leader of innovative work with older adults in healthcare and independent living. I hope to bring a new level of quality of care and customer service to our residents and staff this coming year.”

Jimmy Johnson and his wife Judy have two sons, Christopher and Joel, and four grandsons.

By Jenny Pope
Buckner International

DALLAS – When the news of Haiti’s earthquake reached the United States on Jan. 12, Randy Daniels, director of global operations for Buckner, was glued to his TV.

“It was about 5 p.m. on Tuesday, and all I could do was sit in front of my television and try to better understand the tragedy,” he said.

Daniels and a group of leaders from Dayspring Family Church in Irving, Texas had visited Haiti one month before the earthquake to tour ministries, hospitals and orphanages as part of an exploratory trip. Read the rest of this entry

Almost three weeks after the earthquake that shattered the lives of Haitians, Dillon International continues to receive dozens of adoption-related calls daily and is raising support for an orphanage and hospital collaboration.

Cindy Davison, public relations and marketing director for Dillon, Buckner’s international adoption affiliate, said Dillon “has received 882 online pre-screening forms so far from families interested in adopting from Haiti when adoptions resume.”

Davison explained there is a continuing moratorium on processing new adoptions from Haiti “so that displaced children and family members can first be reunited.  We are expecting this to take one-two years before new adoptions from Haiti would resume.” 

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DALLAS – Buckner International will ship two containers of humanitarian  to benefit children and families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people in Haiti and left more than 600,000 people homeless, according to the United Nations.

One shipment of medical supplies and cots will be sent by air, through the Dominican Republic and into Haiti, to benefit the children and families receiving aid at Hope Hospital in Port Au Prince, said Matt Asato, director of humanitarian aid.

“The other container will be filled with about 24,500 pairs of new shoes next Thursday, Feb. 4. We’ll be sending that container to Florida where we’ve partnered with Holy Cross Lutheran Church. They will be distributing the shoes in Haiti to orphans and families through their connections with Food for the Poor,” he said.

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PORT AU PRINCE — Since the 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Port Au Prince, Haiti on Jan. 12, Buckner International has been working with partners at Hope Hospital and the Children’s Village orphanage to provide financial resources and humanitarian aid. These images, taken by photographer Mo Sadjadpour, provide an inside look at the devastation and some of the children who are receiving care through Hope Hospital and Children’s Village.

To help support Buckner’s crisis relief work in Haiti, please click here.
To collect humanitarian aid for Haiti, click here for a list of needed items.