The spirit of giving came alive this December during Frontier Horizon’s Christmas Wish trip to Nicaragua. Through the dedication of volunteers, donors, and local partners, this mission provided critical support and holiday cheer to children and families in need. By the trip’s conclusion, we had served 293 children from communities such as City Sandino, Casa del Alfarero Church, El Crucero Orphanage, El Cristal Community, Veracruz, Street Kids, and Reparto Shick.
A Mission Rooted in Generosity
Under the leadership of Xochilt (Aby), Frontier Horizon’s International Representative in Nicaragua, a team of volunteers thoughtfully prepared gifts and purchased toys, necessities, and food for children and their families. The effort culminated in celebratory events across the region. One highlight was a gathering at El Crucero Orphanage, where children experienced the magic of Christmas with gifts, games, and heartfelt moments. This year, the festivities coincided with Frontier Horizon’s founder Vinny’s birthday on December 27th, making it a dual celebration as volunteers hosted a mass birthday party for all the children.
Community Collaborations
Frontier Horizon’s impact extended beyond the gift-giving events. In partnership with artist John Early, owner of ViYarte in Playa Marsella, families from local barrios were invited to a Christmas dinner at ViYarte. The event featured food baskets, toys, and school supplies for families, bringing the community together in the true spirit of the season. John Early remarked, “It was a privilege to bring Christmas cheer to the local Marsella and San Juan barrios and to share a special evening with them.”
Unplanned Kindness: Vinny’s Reflection
One of the most moving aspects of the trip was the spontaneous acts of kindness. As Vinny explained, “Our ‘random acts of kindness’ involve bringing gifts or food to impoverished communities without a set plan. We drive with gifts and stop wherever we feel called.” One such moment occurred near Metro Centro Mall in Managua. Spotting children begging at a busy intersection, Vinny invited them to Burger King for lunch and playtime. The joy of watching these children—many of whom show visible signs of malnutrition—relish in simple pleasures like a playroom underscored the profound impact of such small, spontaneous gestures.
Vinny’s reflections offered a poignant perspective: “I’m the old fool doing ‘a bit of good,’ haunted by my inability to do more, yet never letting go of the hope that some good is always valid. Life has been a privilege, and I’d do it all over again in a second.”
Looking Ahead
For over 35 years, Frontier Horizon has been committed to supporting vulnerable communities in Nicaragua, Ukraine, and Colombia. This year’s Christmas Wish trip is a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring impact of compassion. As we look ahead, we are excited to continue working hand in hand with donors, volunteers, and local partners to bring hope and opportunity to children around the world.
To learn more about how you can get involved, visit https://frontierhorizon.org/get-involved/ Together, we can create a brighter future—one child at a time.
Gratitude for Our Donors
This mission was made possible by the incredible generosity of our donors. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Brower Foundation for their $20,000 grant, the Watson Wise Foundation for their $25,000 contribution, and the Bryan Sachs family for their $10,000 year-end donation. Your support has touched countless lives and helped us create brighter futures for children in Nicaragua.
