Fourteen years ago, Will Strait received a call from the Lord to help the people of Belize in Central America.
Strait went to Belize, formed a relationship with the Pallottine Missionary Sisters and saw a great need for help as he traveled through the poorest areas of the country.
That led to Strait, a member of Newark St. Francis de Sales Church, establishing the Mary Elizabeth Foundation in conjunction with his parish to help increase financial and spiritual support for the poor. The foundation is named after Strait’s deceased mother, who herself expressed the spirit of giving throughout her life.
Some recent accomplishments include: paint and tools to repaint two of the Catholic churches; desks and whiteboards along with a projector, toner and paper for a printer at a village school; recreational sports equipment, including balls and nets for students; and 10 iPads to a classroom with children who spoke six different languages so they could learn English, the official language of Belize.
In one touching instance, when a young female high school student was given a laptop to help her progress with her studies, there were tears not only in her own eyes but also in those of her mother and grandmother, Strait said.
The sisters identified this young woman and many other individuals and families in need. Strait related that sometimes a simple gift like toilet paper to a man in a wheelchair can make a difference.
He said much more is needed to help the poor in Belize.
Strait explained that hundreds of children in the village schools do not have a desk or a ball to play with and school kitchens are outdated, with many still burning wood for cooking that exposes the children to toxic smoke. The meal that a child receives at school may be the only meal for that day. Meanwhile, the sisters are feeding the poor on the streets in the city and helping with basic supplies.
The Foundation’s focus on meeting basic physical needs allows the priests and nuns to better provide and meet spiritual needs of the community. Providing laptops, school supplies and enhancing a child’s education not only changes life for children but for the entire family.
St. Francis deSales parish has launched a website that will accept financial donations to support the mission. Visit www.MaryElizabethFoundation.org to learn more about the foundation.