Love In Action was founded in 1989 by Berna and Keith Warner, T&T nationals residing in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. The organization brought together a number of concerned nationals who were touched by reports that, despite the government's school feeding program, some children were not receiving adequate meals. It was felt that there should be some organization that could channel the many well-intentioned contributions that would be forthcoming if only the donors knew how to help. In other words, many felt that, in addition to the donations they made to their particular family or cause, they would be willing to contribute to a centralized body if it could pool these contributions effectively and expeditiously. Several small donations, it was felt, made one big difference, hence our motto: "Together We Can Make A Difference."
Love In Action's initial, and to date principal, thrust has been school feeding. We do this by inviting schools throughout T&T to apply for small grants to help them with an existing feeding program. The funds collected in the USA are transferred to a sister organization, LIAT&T, also founded by B&KW, which administers operations on that end, but has not yet started its own fund-raising. A conscious effort has been made to include schools in both urban and rural areas, as well as schools supported by the state or by religious bodies. Once we began our efforts, it was inevitable that there would be requests for assistance in other areas.
A sampling:
- Drives for school supplies have been run. This has allowed the distribution of thousands of pens and pencils to schools, a seemingly small gesture, but greatly appreciated by the recipients.
- An association has been forged with the Bertie Thompson Center in Port of Spain, and through that project weekly meals have been provided for the homeless.
- Cash and toiletries have been donated to the Children's Homes (St. Michael's and St. Mary's).
- A close relationship has been developed with FEEL (Foundation for the Enhancement and Enrichment of Life), an umbrella organization regrouping various non-government organizations. FEEL has been very helpful in clearing, storing, and distributing our shipments.
- Assistance has been provided by many talented performers (Relator, Chalkdust, PanMasters, Image Band, et al) who all work free of charge to help us raise funds.
Working Committee:
Barbara Darbeau, Yvonne Edwards,
Patrice Gouveia,Trevor Mitchell,
Jillian Moore, Winston Yallery-Arthur,
Berna Warner, Keith Warner.