Saying Goodbye
Giving a Hand Up - Not a Hand Out
About six years ago, a small group of like-minded Expats begin to talk about an idea—an idea to help the people of San Juan Cosala. We knew the people needed many things they could not afford to buy, but we wanted to help the people get those things by providing them opportunities to be able to work for them. We wanted them to feel pride in being able to work for what they needed. So, the idea of the Token Store was born with the mantra “A Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”. The people of the town would earn tokens for doing work for the community, as well as taking classes that would help them to be better prepared for job opportunities. The people could then come to the store and use their tokens, instead of money, to buy things for themselves, their homes, and their families.
The Magical Token Store was immediately popular. Over the years, tokens have been given for street cleaning in the village, helping in an animal shelter, helping with spay and neuter clinics, working in the children’s library, working in the Token Store, helping with fund raisers, feeding street dogs, helping with recycling programs, and for taking a variety of classes—health classes, computer classes, cooking classes, sewing classes, English classes, and more. Thousands of tokens over the years have been used for the people of San Juan Cosala to earn and spend for their families.
There were also programs that were offshoots of the Token Store—a school uniform program, a craft fair, special Christmas stores, school supply stores, and a local-run café.
When the store first opened, our families needed everything. Now our families are at a much different place. Our families have toiletries, sheets, towels, blankets, pots and pans, dishes, small kitchen appliances, and clothing. The store also always offered beans and rice, but also other food products when we received monetary donations. The village people have benefited greatly from the Token Store, but the volunteers benefited even more. We came to know and love these sweet village people-- we earned their trust and they earned ours.
The last Token Store was held last Thursday. ProMexico, who had generously allowed us to use a part of their building, found that they needed the room back. So, the Token Store is closing its doors, but we will carry with us many wonderful memories and many friendships.
The Token Store would like to thank all the generous donors, all the Expat and Mexican volunteers, and all the workers and shoppers who made the six years fun and meaningful.
The Magical Token Store was immediately popular. Over the years, tokens have been given for street cleaning in the village, helping in an animal shelter, helping with spay and neuter clinics, working in the children’s library, working in the Token Store, helping with fund raisers, feeding street dogs, helping with recycling programs, and for taking a variety of classes—health classes, computer classes, cooking classes, sewing classes, English classes, and more. Thousands of tokens over the years have been used for the people of San Juan Cosala to earn and spend for their families.
There were also programs that were offshoots of the Token Store—a school uniform program, a craft fair, special Christmas stores, school supply stores, and a local-run café.
When the store first opened, our families needed everything. Now our families are at a much different place. Our families have toiletries, sheets, towels, blankets, pots and pans, dishes, small kitchen appliances, and clothing. The store also always offered beans and rice, but also other food products when we received monetary donations. The village people have benefited greatly from the Token Store, but the volunteers benefited even more. We came to know and love these sweet village people-- we earned their trust and they earned ours.
The last Token Store was held last Thursday. ProMexico, who had generously allowed us to use a part of their building, found that they needed the room back. So, the Token Store is closing its doors, but we will carry with us many wonderful memories and many friendships.
The Token Store would like to thank all the generous donors, all the Expat and Mexican volunteers, and all the workers and shoppers who made the six years fun and meaningful.