Supplies needed for trip to Guatemala
For the second time in as many years, Wayne Hennen will embark on a mission trip to Guatemala in Central America. Last year, his daughter Isabelle accompanied him.
This year, it will be his wife Lisa that will travel with him in August. Before they fly to San Lucas in August, the Hennens will be collecting pairs of new or slightly-worn boys and girls shoes from infant to size 4, as well as children’s socks in any size, so they can be given to needy children in Guatemala.
Wayne and Lisa are both physical therapists at the Big Stone Therapies Clinic located in the Minneota Manor building. Wayne also became the Regional Manager for Big Stone Therapies, Inc. just over a year ago.
“The shoes (and socks) can be dropped off at Minneota Big Stone Clinic any time before Aug. 10,” said Wayne.
Drop-off times for any donated items are from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until Aug. 10.
Each year for the past 21 years, Big Stone Therapies, Inc. sends four or five of its therapists from clinics in Minneota, Ortonville, Baxter and Zumbrota to Guatemala to aid children and some adults with physical disabilities.
The Big Stone therapists also bring supplies and medical equipment such as children’s wheelchairs, braces, crutches, walkers, canes, standing frames, and other adaptive equipment along on the mission trip to assist those with disabilities.
Health Care Promoters that treat the children and adults of San Lucas, are also in need of the following items:
•Adult and children’s vitamins
•Digital thermometers
•Glucometers and their strips
•Gauze and bandages
•Stethoscopes
•Blood pressure meters
•Long-sleeve infant “onesies”
•Receiving blankets
•Toothpaste with fluoride
•Ace Wraps
•Small folders/binders for paper work
•Monetary donations for book shelves (each costs $105) If anyone would like to donate any of those items, they can also be dropped off at Big Stone Clinic in Minneota before Aug. 10.
“The people over there are the kindest and nicest people,” Wayne said.
“They teach you that you don’t need a lot of things to be happy.”