Celebrating our 4th year

Kepler Padilla, past grand knight of Laconia council 428 of the Knights of Columbus, and founder and president of Huasta House of Hope, a children and senior center in the Andes village of Huasta in Peru is shown here with the 69 children of the center who were presented warm winter jackets for the harsh winter season that is fast approaching. The 39 seniors who are part of the center were also presented with these warm winter jackets for the first time.

Huasta House of Hope was opened on September 19, 2021 dedicated to serving the neediest of the needy in this remote village 10106 feet above sea level. The center feeds the enrollees, both children and seniors their main meal five days a week. In addition to providing meals, the center also has a fully stocked clinic which cares for the medical and dental needs of those enrolled.

The children, through the generosity of our local residents and the parishioners of Saint Andre Bessette parish are taught English and remedial math by a tutor using 17 donated tablets. The seniors are visited weekly by a medical team which evaluates their physical health and dietary needs. Seniors and children needing prescribed medication are provided these drugs at no cost. There is never a charge to any enrollee for any service or meal provided. This past month the children were presented with backpacks loaded with all of the school supplies needed for the entire school year.

During the month of December the customary chocolatada festival will be held where sweet breads and hot chocolate are shared in their annual Christmas festival. The children and seniors look forward to this event each year. Hopefully Huasta will receive donations as in the prior years to make this a success. If you want to help these needy children and seniors you can mail your tax deductible donation to Huasta House of Hope, P.O. Box 662, Laconia, New Hampshire.