Former missionary gives used items a second life in Peru
Published 11:47 pm Sunday, January 3, 2010
BOTHELL — When Vance Field served as a missionary in Peru, he was struck by how so many people there made do with so little.
Health issues forced Field and his wife to leave Peru after more than 17 years, but they haven’t forgotten the country’s people. Back in Washington, they founded Helping Hands Ministries International and in 1992 opened the Helping Hands Thrift Store along Bothell-Everett Highway.
Since then, the nonprofit has sent thousands of pounds in recycled clothing, toys, bicycles and appliances to Peru.
“We are keeping so much stuff out of our landfills because of this,” Field said.
Businesses often discard usable items, he said. Donations from individual people and businesses from around Snohomish County gain a second life in Third World countries.
Barrels of paint. Outdated TV sets and computers. Plant seeds that can’t be sold past the expiration date, but still can take root and grow.
“Trash to one person is treasure to another,” Field said.
The group is working closely with the people in Peru, teaching them how to grow produce, recycle water and use computers.
During his time in Peru, Field lived on the north coast of the country, home to the world’s driest, longest stretch of desert. People living in the area initially migrated there looking for work, he said. They found none and were forced to settle in the unforgiving climate.
The area is home to some of the world’s poorest people and Field’s dearest friends.
He is scheduled to travel to Peru again this month with another shipment, which will include dozens of washing machines.
Women in the country’s impoverished parts spend hours every day washing their families’ clothes, he said. The washing machines allow them to use that time more productively.
“This is recycling, right here in Bothell,” Field said.
Katya Yefimova: 425-339-3452, kyefimova@heraldnet.com.
How to help
Helping Hands is at 19213 Bothell-Everett Highway, Bothell.
Donations are welcome and volunteers are always needed.
Call 425-481-6682 for more information.
