Two weeks ago we introduced you to Meredith Rector, a humanitarian worker who traveled to Nicaragua to teach children English.

She came home after protests broke out against the government. Now, her father is heading a drive to send relief down to the Central American nation.

“When my daughter went to Nicaragua, I asked the men’s group if they would be interested in raising funds to help this Project Manna International,” John Rector, Meredith’s father and the fundraiser organizer, said.

Manna Project International was the group Meredith volunteered with. John and the Emanuel Lutheran Church wanted to help from home.

“I was ecstatic and obviously felt very supported by both my parents and their commitment to this cause,” Meredith said.

Meredith works behind-the-scenes for the drive. Their goal, to raise roughly $3,000.

“A Member of our church passed away and his wife donated all his tools and he had many,” John said. “It was a very nice gift from her, so we had a tool sale and a spaghetti dinner.”

More donations came in, this time in the form of lacrosse sticks. When you think of Latin American countries you might think of soccer or baseball. In Nicaragua, lacrosse is a pretty big sport.

“It’s a big deal,” John said. “They enjoy it, they can’t afford the equipment so we’re happy to donate things that many kids around here have just outgrown.”

They won’t ship the lacrosse sticks just yet because of the turmoil happening. The donations are for Manna’s Lacrosse the Nations campaign.

As for the money, Manna is assuring it will arrive in Nicaragua safely.

“Things are being done properly, our money will be kept safe in an account,” John said. “It’ll be deposited and handed out as necessary.”

It will ensure the children there have the resources they need to play the sport they enjoy.

“I’ve always been very luck to have my church family always backing me,” Meredith said.

If you’d like to help out and donate, you can contact the Emanuel Lutheran Church through it’s website and Facebook.