Whatever became of Love In Action?
On July 27th of 2008, Love In Action celebrated 19 years of existence. The original concept of the organization was simple: pool donations from friends and well-wishers in the United States, and distribute what we have collected to bring relief to those in need in Trinidad and Tobago initially, then to others in the rest of the Caribbean when possible. We are proud to say that Love In Action has done a lot to help over the years, from providing children with meals at school to brightening their Christmas with toys at home; from providing scholarships for study in the U.S. to purchasing textbooks for study at U.W.I.; from providing sheets to the hospitals and computers and other supplies to schools to providing post-hurricane relief in Grenada, Haiti, and St. Lucia. However, during the last two years the donations have dropped off tremendously, thus making a significant dent in Love In Action’s operations.
Berna and I, who shepherded Love In Action’s affairs from the outset, retired in 2003 and decided that we would spend more time in Trinidad than in the United States. At that time we thought we would get others to carry the torch of Love In Action here in the U.S. We are the first to admit, though, that it is a difficult torch to carry. We wish to thank all who have helped during this time of transition.
We have now realized that we will be spending equal time in Trinidad and the United States since we want to be around our children and grandchildren. We have at times come very close to folding the organization, but every time we entertained such a thought, some needy case would benefit from Love In Action’s help, and we would be asked, urged, begged not to stop the good work. While such appreciation is most rewarding, the fact remains that Love In Action can only do its work with the help of donations, and these, I repeat, have fallen off dramatically.
This year Love In Action will celebrate its 20th anniversary. We want to ask all our supporters to use this milestone occasion to recommit their support, and, further, to enlist others who may not know of the work of the organization. Love In Action has proven over the years that even small donations can make a difference when sent to the Caribbean. We are undertaking an updating of our mailing lists, and would appreciate your bringing the organization to the attention of anyone who may be willing to be part of the Love In Action experience.
May God bless you all.
Keith Warner, President