Twice a year, in June and September, Aguilas del Desierto volunteer Octavio loads up a trailer full of canes, walkers, and wheelchairs and drives them across the border to the small town of Pinal de Amoles, in the Mexican state of Queretaro, where he grew up.
Walkers and wheelchairs can cost about $200 in Mexico and are therefore impossible for most to afford, so he helps out when he can. He said he keeps a list of families who need assistance and then delivers the needed items to homes in the surrounding mountain areas.
Sr. Maria Louise Edwards offered to reach out to some of the volunteers who minister alongside her for donations. She sent a simple text message and walkers and canes began to quickly fill up the convent garage. “We were all humbled, overjoyed, and amazed yet again at the generosity of those who volunteer with us,” she said. “We learned that the husband of one of our volunteers was a retired administrator of a nearby nursing home. His connections led to many donations. On May 14, we had about 12 walkers, canes and crutches. By May 17, we had more than 50, as well as bags of shoes and clothing!”
Octavio and his wife Elowina plan to deliver the donated items in June.
