10/31/2008: Nonprofit seeks to help needy on far East Side
By Michael D. Hernandez / El Paso Times
Article Launched: 10/31/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT
EL PASO — An increase in drug-related violence in Juárez has forced a Fort Bliss charity to curtail its work in Mexico but Helping Hands, the 26-year-old nonprofit operated by military families from the German Air Force, has turned to other communities in the area to offer help.
Carmen Martinez and her 4-year-old daughter Jeily Martinez look through piles of clothes that were brought to Montana Vista Elementary School as part of the German Helping Hands program. Area residents in the Montana Vista area were invited to pick clothes out to take as part of the program partnered with the Clint Independent School District to help struggling families in the area.
On Oct. 21, the charity rolled into Montana Vista Elementary where it reached out to poor families and distributed clothing, blankets and food it had collected.
The donation was part of a new partnership Helping Hands has formed with the Clint Independent School District to help struggling families in Montana Vista and near Horizon City, said Ursula Morawietz, a board member for the charity.
In August, members of Helping Hands met students at Desert Hills Elementary in Horizon City where they gave out school supplies, book bags and school uniforms.
Morawietz said members of the charity, which is composed mostly of military spouses, feels an obligation to lend support to the neediest people in the area.
“We are so happy here in El Paso,” she said. “We have wonderful houses and we have everything we need. That’s why I think it’s important to give back to the community, to help others.”
Agnes Merten and Kerstin Lipka, two members of the German Helping Hands program, refolded clothes they brought to Montana Vista Elementary School to distribute to area residents.
Helping Hands was formed in 1982 when two families stationed in the area with the German Air Force distributed used clothing to Juárez residents who were scouring their city dump for salvageable items. Over the years, the charity focused its efforts in Juárez, supporting schools, clinics and orphanages that
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served the most overlooked residents of the area as well as indigenous groups in Mexico.
Helping Hands also has supported the Rescue Mission of El Paso and the Opportunity Center of El Paso.
Morawietz said the charity will continue with monthly visits to schools in Montana Vista and in Horizon City and it welcomes donations of clothing, blankets and food it can help distribute.
The partnership with the Clint ISD is making a difference for many families who were poised to have a difficult winter, district spokeswoman Laura Cade said.
“Our district is 380 square miles and we have pockets where people have no basic services like running water or heat,” she said, adding that about 85 families in the area have been served by Helping Hands.
“It’s great that they want to help and impact the community because there is definitely a need,” she said.
Helping Hands is expected to participate in the Non Commissioned Officers’ Wives bazaar Saturday and Sunday at Stout Gym and is gearing up to raise more funds through the German Advent Bazaar on Nov. 22 at the German Community Center at Fort Bliss.
To learn more about Helping Hands or to give a donation to the nonprofit, call Ursula Morawietz at 855-2338 or go online to www.germanhelpinghands.de.
Michael D. Hernandez may be reached at mhernandez@ elpasotimes.com; 546-6151.
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