In 1999, the Buenos Aires International Newcomers (BAIN) group began a toy drive benefiting needy children in Buenos Aires. Two years later, as the needs of these children became obvious, the project evolved into the Send a Child to School (SACS) program.

SACS helps hundreds of children each year by providing basic school materials essential for a successful education.

Supplies include a backpack, paper, pencils, erasers, and even shoes and a lab coat.

En 1999, el grupo Buenos Aires Internacional Newcomers (BAIN) inició una colecta de juguetes con el fin de beneficiar a niños de bajos recursos económicos en Buenos Aires. Dos años más tarde, cuando las necesidades de los niños se hicieron más visibles, el proyecto se transformó en el programa Send a Child to School (SACS) —Niños a la Escuela.

SACS ayuda a cientos de niños cada año suministrándoles materiales escolares básicos, que son esenciales para una buena educación.

Los materiales escolares incluyen una mochila, papel, lápices, gomas de borrar, además de zapatillas y guardapolvos para usar durante el año.

No Administrative Costs

In our program, 100% of the funds raised are used directly to purchase the school materials. There are no administrative costs due to the efforts of a team of dedicated volunteers and generous donors. Backpacks with supplies are assembled and distributed by volunteer labor recruited and organized by SACS.

Sin Gastos Administrativos

En nuestro programa, el 100% de lo recaudado se utiliza para comprar los materiales escolares. No hay costos administrativos ya que hay un equipo de voluntarios y generosos donantes que dedican sus esfuerzos a esta causa. Los voluntarios dirigidos por SACS se ocupan de poner los materiales en las mochilas y de distribuirlas.

No Cash Grants

Donations to the children are made only in the form of school materials. Each child receives a complete backpack in hand.

No Se Distribuye Dinero

Las donaciones a los niños son solo de materiales escolares. Cada niño recibe, personalmente, una mochila completa.

Worthy Recipients

Groups or institutions may directly request support for children in their care or be proposed by BAIN members. The institutions are required to provide detailed information on the needs and identities of the children. In addition, members of the SACS committee often visit these sites. The children are asked to bring their DNI to ensure identification on the day that they receive their backpacks.

Destinatarios Valiosos

Grupos ó instituciones pueden solicitar la ayuda para niños bajo su cuidado ó ser presentados por los miembros de BAIN. Se requiere que las instituciones provean información detallada sobre las necesidades e identidad de los niños. Por otro lado, los miembros del comité de SACS visitan estas instituciones ó grupos. Se solicita a los niños traer su DNI con el propósito de identificarlos el día de la entrega de las mochilas.

Fundraising

Each year funds are raised through events including concerts, embassy receptions, teas, restaurant nights, and fashion shows. Many BAIN members and friends choose to sponsor one or more children by donating the full cost of the school materials. We also rely on the generosity of corporations and benevolent organizations.

Recaudación de Fondos

Cada año se recaudan fondos por medio de eventos tales como conciertos, recepciones en las embajadas, tés, comidas y desfiles de moda. Muchos miembros de BAIN y sus amigos eligen apadrinar un niño o más, donando el costo total de los materiales. También confiamos en la generosidad de las corporaciones y otras organizaciones que tienen interés en proyectos de beneficencia.

Cost-Efficient Spending

To ensure maximum benefits, most materials are bought at wholesale prices while others are donated by BAIN members or corporations.

Minimizar los Gastos

Con el propósito de asegurar el máximo beneficio, la mayoría de los materiales son comprados al por mayor. Otros son donados por corporaciones o por miembros de BAIN.

Confident Beginnings

Our efforts each year have helped hundreds of school children walk proudly into their classrooms, ready for a year of challenge and education. A simple goal.

If you, your business or organization are ready, there are many opportunities to help! Volunteer your time, donate funding or supplies, or simply sponsor one child.

El Comienzo con Confianza

Nuestros esfuerzos cada año han ayudado a cientos de niños a entrar al aula con gran orgullo, provistos de mochilas bien equipadas, listos para un año educativo. Una meta simple.

¡Si Ud., su negocio u organización están interesados en este proyecto, existen muchas oportunidades para ayudar! Done su tiempo, donar fondos o materiales escolares o simplemente apadrine a un niño.

Acknowledgements

The SACS committee would like to thank all those who have contributed their time, money and resources to the Send a Child to School program, including its founding members for giving life to the wonderfully focused and meaningful charity that is now SACS.

In the beginning, Evelyn Connolly, a special, strong and down-to-earth Irish woman who was volunteering at CARITAS San Patricio in Belgrano, asked BAIN members to donate goods to the cause. Ada Silva, Carla Conde-Freudendorff, Pat Heater and other members of BAIN assisted her in collecting donations, and continued working with CARITAS San Patricio and collecting donations from BAIN after Evelyn left.

Later, Melanie Phillips had the idea of a toy drive. Melanie, Ada and Carla organized the first Toy Drive. Two years later, when the economy deteriorated, they decided to do a School Supply Drive instead. They bought, packed and distributed the backpacks themselves. And of course, as time went on, with the departure of some, many, many more new people have become involved: Juhi Manwani, Roxanne Piper Davis, Susan Pugatchenko, Gail Budd, Carolyn Cross, Diana Borders, Jennifer Parsons, Frances Perry, Zelfa Silva and Susan Ramshaw among others. However, we would like to stress that without the support of the whole BAIN group and friends, this special program would not be possible.

We invite you to participate in this successful grassroots movement which is making a positive difference in the lives of Buenos Aires children by enabling their participation in school.

Our special thanks go to Transpack Argentina for their assistance in delivering the school supplies over the years and for printing our brochure!

The 2005/2006 SACS Committee Members:

Debbie Brennan, Janet Calladine, Carla Conde-Freudendorff, Noha El Gebaly, Elizabeth Gibb, Greta Gonzalez, Daphne Hays, Muriel Hussin, Juhi Manwani, Jill Martin, Frances Perry Pitchon, and Alice Stewart.

Legal Status

In 2005-2006, we have achieved legal status as a non-profit organization, known as Niños a la Escuela Asociación Civil. All donations are tax deductible. Please ask for our CUIT and Tax exemption number when you make a donation.

Estado Legal

En el año 2005-2006, logramos formar una organización sin fines de lucro, conocido como Niños a la Escuela Asociación Civil. Todas las donaciones son exentas a los impuestos. Por favor pide nuestro número de CUIT y número de Exento a Impuestos cuando haga su donación.

The 2006/2007 SACS Committee Members:

Eliza Addison, Mandy Bartholomew, Bettye Bland-Weldon, Debbie Brennan, Janet Calladine, Carla Conde-Freudendorff, Elizabeth Gibb, Muriel Hussin, Juhi Manwani, Jill Martin, Bethany Padilla and Alice Stewart.

If you have questions or would like to help in any way, please contact one of the committee members or email us at SACS_BA@yahoo.com.