Color Africa

On October 13th, 2006 a documentary was shown on TV discussing a new concept in helping to end extreme poverty and the AIDS epidemic throughout the continent of Africa. During this one hour documentary was a small five-second clip of a young boy stating that he really appreciated the medication he was able to receive. Since taking this medication he felt much better. However, while in the hospital he simply wished that he had a coloring book to help him pass the time.
"Color Africa" was birthed at that moment. A group of friends from Amarillo saw a simple need, and in compassion wanted to do something about it. Through conversations they began to realize that providing coloring books and crayons for sick children in African hospitals was such an easy and affordable thing to do. They began collecting coloring books and crayons on their own. Just from talking to family, friends, co-workers and people in their churches the word simply began to spread. Suddenly coloring books and crayons were simply just showing up at door-steps with no name attached.
There are more than 12.3 million children who have been orphaned because of the AIDS virus. In the next three years alone that number is expected to double. Many of these children are infected with the HIV virus from mother-to-child transmission. These are innocent children who have done nothing to bring such horrible events on themselves. Many of these infected children will not receive medication in time. Many of these seriously ill children will never have a chance at life.
Regardless of what anyone may say, the people of the United States have shown to be the most compassionate towards the world. Many Americans are no longer seeing Africa as just another charitable act. Many Americans are seeing Africa as a place that is looking for another chance. Many organizations are focusing their abilities at raising awareness. Many organizations are focusing their abilities at raising money. Many organizations are focusing their abilities at canceling debt. Helping Africa has become a global effort.
Oprah can build a $40 million school for underprivileged kids. Bono can draw attention and money to the cause of Africa. James Robinson’s ministries can drill wells in drought and disease stricken Africa. The G8 can use political power and influence to help Africa’s economical, political and social infrastructure. There are so many needs; and one easily feel overwhelmed and step back from any action as the rich, famous and powerful are already doing what we could never do.
Color Africa redefines the simplicity of love and action. Maybe we don’t have the resources to build schools, hospitals, water wells, feeding facilities and shelters, but we can do what is within our reach and abilities. We can put smiles on the faces of children and show them that although society or an illness may have marginalized them; we have not. Imagine you were one of the blessed children who was able to get medication, and you were in the process of healing. Imagine that the hospital you are staying in is simply a large room with 20-plus beds in it. These hospitals have no televisions or the luxury and comfort that American hospitals are fortunate to provide. If a child is fortunate enough maybe he/she gets their bed by a window so that they can look outside. Now imagine that you received a coloring book and a box of crayons from some people in America who care just as much about your recovery time as they do about when you were sick. When all you have to do is stare at a blank wall time seems to stand still. When you have something that preoccupies your time you cannot get time to stop.
These millions of children do not want to spend their time in a hospital anymore than you or I. They want to simply be children. Coloring will not only bring color back to their stolen childhood but also help their educational development as well. How many artistic and creative gifts are dormant in these children? How many will hunger for someday having a history or science book to read and learn? All because they were given a $1 coloring book and a chance to see life with color!
What if every time you went to the grocery store you picked up one coloring book and one box of crayons? That would be four boxes of crayons and four coloring books a month. If we look at it on a small level it is so much easier to do. One person...one box of crayons...one coloring book...one happy child.
"Color Africa" started off as a one time project. When we begin to look at the enormity of what is going on in Africa we realized that we could and should do much more. We are so fortunate to live in the country we do; and this enables us to be givers.
Shipments will be sent out on the last day of each month. They will be going to well established orphanages, hospitals, schools, churches and missionaries throughout the continent of Africa.
You can help in a number of ways:1. Purchase coloring books and crayons and mail them to: PO Box 19035
Amarillo, TX 79114-9035
2. Mail donations to help us with shipping: PO Box 19035
Amarillo, TX 79114-9035
3. Tell your family, friends, co-workers, teachers, pastors and anyone else you can think of.
4. Visit our website and download one of our fliers and put them up at work with a box for people to donate.
5. If you have a "myspace" page or website link to our website.
6. Ask local stores if you can put up a flier and a box for donations.
7. Ask local stores who might carry coloring books and crayons for donations. You can get more information about "Color Africa" by visiting our website at www.colorafrica.com .