Little Stars' Food parcels
Little Stars Food Parcels
Three years ago, when Little Stars started to distribute food parcels, the whole operation was dealt with by an agent of the Egyptian Food Bank. Little Stars was at that time not registered with the Egyptian Authorities and could not buy the parcels in its own right.
Consequently, Little Stars had absolutely no control over where the food parcels went or who received them and there was no contact between Little Stars and the families concerned. It was purely a funding transaction between Little Stars and the Agent. We monitored the situation over a period of six months but it proved extremely unsatisfactory for a number of reasons but primarily because parcels were only given to women who had all the necessary paperwork and were in possession of a special stamp. There were many women who did not have paperwork or the stamp and were turned away tearful and empty handed.
Following a prolonged meeting with Food Bank officials Little Stars decided to distribute its own food parcels over which it would have total control. Quotes were gained from three different companies by the Needs Assessor and the quotes saved for future reference. The lowest quote was chosen, orders were placed and premises were hired as a distribution centre that could store everything that Little Stars needed. That was two years ago and the arrangement has been amazingly successful.
Abandoned wives do not get any Government help. Neither do many widows or families where the equivalent of National Insurance has not been paid. When people cannot read and live in isolated villages, official help is a dream rather than a reality. These are the people that account for most of our sponsored families. If any of our families are eligible for Government help then they can still get it through Government Agencies. Our job is to help those families with children who have fallen through the net and are in most need.
Because we have complete freedom over distribution we can choose our families and do not have to turn our backs on any deserving case. Also, we can tailor our parcels and give large families double the amount that is given to small families. As our families are sponsored it means that we can provide poultry on a monthly basis, can provide blankets and clothing, and can renovate homes, monitor health and improve living conditions.
It is only your support that allows us to do this.
Thank you.
