Recycling Benefits Children Around the World
The dimes and nickels from recycled bottles and cans from St. Mary Medical Center's cafeteria travel a long way from home. While employees work daily to care for High Desert residents, many also have a world vision to aid others.
Rosario Isaac, a cafeteria worker, is one of those employees. Rosario began collecting recyclable items with the help of her co-workers about a year ago. Since then she has sent $120 every few months to her daughter and cousin who live in the Philippines to purchase food, clothes and other items for needy children.
Bringing a Smile
to a Child's Face
"I'm so thankful that people save their plastic containers," Rosario says. "All my co-workers are so nice when they know I'm sending things to help the Philippines."
The first time Rosario sent funds they provided clothes, fruit and even a bit of chocolate for children at an orphanage. She still has the thank you note she received from the Catholic sisters who run the orphanage. The second time she sent recycling proceeds, her family members were able to buy similar items for street children. In the fall, Rosario's family members used the $120 to provide items to help students in a public school.
Rosario came to the United States from the Philippines in 2002. She has worked at St. Mary for nearly six years.