A drive is under way to bring shoes for 500 children in impoverished Xaya, a pueblo in southern Yucatán state.
Led by photographer Petro Tec, the nonprofit Los Mayas Eternos AC is collecting shoes to bring down and distribute.
Conditions there are dire. According to SEDESOL (the Secretary of Social Development) Xaya is a highly marginalized town. It subsists mainly through agricultural trade with nearby communities. Some residents engage in handicrafts such as embroidery and hammock making. Houses are rustic, made from sticks and straw. Even families with more sophisticated housing lack bathroom facilities.
Los Mayas Eternos visited the community and noticed that many children lack shoes. So the foundation — which has been distributing food and pantry necessities to some of Yucatán’s most needy — is requesting donations of children’s shoes of any size in good condition, new or gently used. The goal is to serve about 500 boys and girls.
The group will organize, coordinate and deliver the donations to Xaya.
Donations can be sent to Calle 48 No. 533A x 73 y 73A Centro, San Cristobal. Call Tec at 999-997-2774, or send donations via PayPal to peterajaw@yahoo.com.
