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Volunteer at Santa Monica Prison Needs Help
By Connie Estrada
 Twenty-four years ago, a woman named Lucha Fallaque began to work as a volunteer in the women's prison, Santa Monica in Chorrillos. She decided to concentrate her efforts on the children who are born there, and are kept there with their mothers until they are three years old or until the mother is freed. As life in jail would have it, the children are born with nothing, and are almost completely dependent on outside help. The mothers try to earn money inside the jail, but that possibility is very limited.
The children have a nursery school there. Presently there are 50 children of which 27 are babies . Different individuals and charitable organizations donate to meet needs. It is tough to raise funds and part of what Lucha does is to knock on doors asking for items and money.
What is Needed?
What is needed? For the children, it is everything. The main need is milk, either canned, or the local Leche Anchor. The babies need clothing, towels, diapers (either of cloth or the disposable kind), and crib sheets. Toys and books for little children are needed to provide early stimulation. School supplies are needed for these little ones including coloring pens, crayons, paintbrushes, tempera paints, and lots of paper. Paper products such as cartulina (like our construction paper), papel de seda, papel de lustre, papeles dorado and plateado are part of their needs. Glue and yarns are good items too. As these little ones are in school they need the dress like uniforms typically worn by Peruvian children. The teachers also need uniforms.
Medicine
 There is also a need for medicine. For example, drops for fever and ointment for diaper rashes are always needed. Also selected antibiotics are needed. Recently an asthmatic 10-month-old boy developed bronchitis that developed into pneumonia. After several days without treatment he was hospitalized in grave condition. Fortunately he lived. At the moment he needs a nebulizer for early treatment of the asthma.
Another immediate need is for six two-liter thermos bottles to supply hot water for baby bottles at night.
The children's area is kept spotless. A small group of women donate a few soles a month to buy cleaning supplies. There are monthly birthday parties, and pictures are taken. Sometimes there are outings to the beach. They have even gone to the circus, and to Mc Donald's. Some very special people sponsored those visits.
Mami Lucha
 Lucha, who is known as Mami Lucha, has appeared on television at least twice to tell the story about the children. Several newspapers have written feature articles about her efforts in the jail. Her organization, Cadena de Amor, keeps transparent records. Every donation is acknowledged with a thank you from the director of Santa Monica, and copies of receipts are enclosed. There are many photo albums showing these children in their classrooms, during their parties and at Christmas.
Now where do we fit in? Many of the items mentioned can be individually donated and sent to our office. Also items can be received at my house, which is close to Lucha's home. If you have any questions about any of this please feel free to call me after 6 o'clock PM at 467-1033.
The signature Biblical verse for Lucha Fallaque's group is from Matthew 10:42. It says, “He who gives to one of these little ones even a cup of water because he is my disciple, surely will not lose his reward.” As the holiday season approaches, let us celebrate by giving to these small children who are in constant need.
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