BobnRox in Ecuador

As I was growing up, I sort of liked animal crackers, but didn't regard them as a "Must Have" treat--However, here in Ecuador, the kids are absolutely nut-so about them!!  And...on top of that...they are an integral part of Christmas giving!  The big department stores here in Cuenca are featuring these crackers, naturally, but you must see aisles devoted to monster bags of these crackers, to get the full impact of how important they are.

Here I am with a bag that we bought yesterday...it is triple bagged, and I was assured that all the "really nice" people bought these bags now, in anticipation of Christmas with the kids...take a look...

So, this year, we will be including mucho animal crackers in the candy gift bags that each child gets...

And...with the continuing generosity of you good readers, we were able to complete the gift buying for all 150 kids, plus Rox bought a bunch of half price decorations to really spiff up "Santa's Workshop".  This included 10 meters of 6 foot wide red fabric-paper material, that we will use to wall in the workshop, plus some blinking lights, lots of streamers at 40 cents each.  In addition, we were able to get a good deal on 200 plates for hot dogs and chips, and 200 soft drink cups...(don't forget that many of the kids arrive with their moms).

Here is Rox sitting on the bed with the last of the Boy toys that were needed.

 One of the reasons that we are doing our shopping in Cuenca is that the big stores here get huge container shipments of Christmas stuff right from China...the stores on the Coast do not, and consequently, the prices for similar items are tripled...plus the selection of toys is dismal...

Folks, we still need a couple of you really generous souls to step up to the plate--see the previous entry for instructions on how you can participate in what is turning out to be a pretty nice party for some deserving kids...

We still plan to buy all the hot dogs, chips and drinks for the party, gift wrap for all the gifts, Candy for 150, Kodak developed photo for each kid.  We will provide funds for Cecilia, who will make one Papa Noel outfit, and two Elf outfits, plus costs of other help.

Thanks again...