Back to the Future! Action in La Cruz Takes It To The Streets Again Landon Hollander - InsideLaCruz
go to original June 15, 2013

At the last benefit for Acción En La Cruz, Casiano’s Gerente Enrique Guzman, Fundación Punta de Mita Director Sergio Haro and Acción En La Cruz Coordinator Elena Munguia.

The Acción En La Cruz (Action In La Cruz) volunteers were back in action cleaning and sweeping the Streets of La Cruz Friday afternoon after a nearly two-month hiatus.

Headed by La Cruz Coordinator, Elena Munguia, the three 1st volunteers to “hit the pavement” on Friday signal a triumphant return for this well-received program that suffered an interruption after Amigos de La Cruz voted in March to discontinue funding the purchase of despensas (the boxes of food and provisions that are the compensation for the volunteer work).

The compensation for the La Cruz Coordinator had been paid from the proceeds of three La Cruz events - Parties in The Park & Taste of La Cruz since last July. This was as a result of the original donor, PEACE Mexico, having to withdraw its support because of financial difficulties. A quick note: the program was originally called Work for Food when it was “under the wing” of PEACE, and the name changed to Action for Food when PEACE first began to have financial struggles, specifically with HACIENDA (think IRS). The current name, Acción En La Cruz is to indicate its ties to the older programs while stressing the positive force specific to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Throughout all of this stumbling, one thing remained as a constant: Everyone we spoke with voiced incredible support and hope for the continuation of the self-empowering program that allows locals in need to provide for their families with dignity and pride. With the generous aid of a local altruistic organization (which wishes to remain anonymous), the proceeds from a one-quarter share of the last Taste of La Cruz and the money raised at the benefit at Casiano’s, Acción En La Cruz can finally continue into the summer as ongoing benefits are planned.

None of this would have been possible without the support and aid of the Fundación Punta de Mita and specifically, director Sergio Haro and Greg Stanton, head of Operations and Donor relations. The road to a smooth future for Acción En La Cruz is contingent on its being a legally administered program, with proper fiduciary obligations to the government handled by the book. This will be the most significant contribution from the Fundación. In addition to handling all donations and contributions, they will maintain and establish all records and tax receipts.

Elena asked us to tell you all who have supported the program throughout the interruption, that she and the volunteers, “…we are very excited to be helping in our pueblo again- thank you very much!”

In addition to the ongoing street cleaning, special projects identified by La Cruz Delegado Alberto Garcia de Haro (Angel) will be addressed by the volunteers as needed.

Welcome back, compadres.

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