Villa Ridge Nonprofits and Charities

10 YEARS OF HELPING THE IMPOVERISHED, INDIGENOUS FAMILIES OF MARAS, PERU<br>OUR MISSION AND HISTORY by Lynda Burgman, Founder/Executive Director<br><br>KINDNESS IN A BOX (KIAB) was founded in October 2006 by Lynda Burgman, a retired non-profit executive, after a trip to Peru to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. While there, she hiked in the District of Maras where ancient salt pools are located. The children of this region spend most days before and after school working in the salt pools or farming along with their parents. The lack of resources and the conditions in the village schools prompted Lynda to begin her humanitarian work. <br>Kindness In A Box was recognized by the “Oprah Winfrey Pay It Forward Show” after shipments of clothing, toys and school supplies were sent to over 500 children in Maras. <br>In 2015, Lynda Burgman was awarded the United Nations “Human Rights Award” by the St. Louis Christian Women United for her work.<br>The mission of KIAB is to provide humanitarian resources that support the education, health and well-being of impoverished, indigenous Quechua children in the District of Maras, Peru. 2.1 million Peruvian children live in extreme poverty. About 73 percent of the indigenous Quechua communities – more than five million people – live on less than $1.25 a day. Unfortunately, the children of Maras fall into this category.<br>We believe that sustainable development occurs when support is strategic and relevant to both the needs of children and the capacity of the local community. When families, communities and institutions invest in the education, health and well-being of children, everyone benefits.<br>www.kindnessinabox.org<br>5955 Grayling View<br>Villa Ridge, MO 63089 <br> FACEBOOK US! Kindness In A Box <br>