2020–A Year In Review
Amidst a challenging 2020, Little Things Matter (LTM) Foundation continued to pursue opportunities that created well-being through small-scale, project-based investments in under-resourced Hispanic communities.
One of Barry's last wishes was that this organization live on to transform lives by planting little seeds of investment that can produce a lasting impact. The legacy that began with Barry's passion continues to shape and propel the mission–providing opportunities to the marginalized in the little things that truly matter.
These are a few of the things we did in 2020!
Little Things Matter Book
LTM Foundation Co-founder Barry Annino set out to write a book on life after a terminal diagnosis, which promoted me to embark on my own writing journey. Our memoir chronicles our experience in suffering survival and legacy from two very different perspectives–two sides of the same coin. We launched the book in Spring 2020 and are happy to report that sales of the book have covered the costs of producing it. From here on out, 100% of revenue benefits the LTM Foundation. You can support us by purchasing the book and retracing the origin story of Little Things Matter Foundation.
COVID Support
Many of our efforts focused on increasing well-being in the indigenous community near San Miguel de Allende, Mexico–a place and a people that inspired Barry and me on our annual visits to this beautiful community. Since 2016, LTM Foundation has partnered with Ojalá Niños to support after-school educational programs in this community where education is meager and reading levels are low. In this age of COVID, LTM Foundation supported the community by providing much-needed food packages and take-home educational activities while after-school programs are suspended.
Cooperatives
We initiated a women's cooperative, Manos y Corazónes, to help mothers in San Miguel Viejo's rural community learn skills that allow them to create hand-made products. LTM Foundation then works to find markets for these artisanal creations. The women have made a range of products from colorful fiesta flowers in the Mexican tradition, delightful pom-pom keychains to soy-based candles that have been sold in the US at pop-up markets and in retail stores. We began the year with a candle-making workshop and created 150 votive candles for a women's conference at Fellowship Bible Church. The income they receive is significant in a community where the average household income is $425 per month.
Chickens
One of LTM Foundation's first initiatives in San Miguel de Allende's community was the installation of organic gardens and chicken coops at a home for abandoned children, Casa Hogar Corazón Valiente. The bounty of eggs produced were sold to local restaurants, and excess was given to families in need.
Sewing Atelier
LTM Foundation supported a sewing center at Ojalá Niños where older students and their parents learn skills to create products to sell. This project equips this community to rise above their circumstances and cultivate creativity, skills, and well-being in both giving and market-based strategies. The center space and sewing machines are already in place, and the LTM Foundation provided the necessary funds to provide the first year of supplies. The sewers' first product is children's face masks for their community, which are in short supply.
The Year Ahead
In the coming year, plans include:
Installing organic gardens & chickens as a part of the Ojalá Niños Learning Center. Helping the indigenous Otomi children and their parents learn skills and best practices related to organic gardens and husbandry.
Supporting project-based learning programs for rural children in Mexico.
Sponsoring economically disadvantaged San Miguel de Allende youth in the pursuit of a college education.
Bringing back Camp Corazón Valiente, and an annual summer camp engaging rural Mexican children in music, arts, games, helping them see that they are precious in the sight of a loving God.
Upcoming Events
Spring Art Auction & Sale
The Annino family is donating over 40 original paintings by Joe Annino, Barry's father, to benefit Little Things Matter Foundation.
From Mid-Century modern to abstract seascapes, Italian landscapes, and still-life in oils, ink and linoleum prints, all set in high-quality custom frames.
A Toast of Gratitude
There's so much need in this world right now. Those who have the least are hit the hardest in these challenging times. Your support has blessed many.
If you are making donations before the end of the year or planning your charitable giving for 2021, I hope you will consider Little Things Matter Foundation.
Whether you support through monthly giving or a one-time annual gift, any amount is significant. I hope you will partner with us in building a world in which all people have access to opportunities that lead to better lives, happier families, and healthier communities.
"May God's love and grace light your days and warm your heart and home."
Debora Annino