Last week our family of volunteers honored our ongoing commitment to people experiencing homelessness on the streets of San José, Costa Rica.

Together with Dr. Joe, his wife Nicolle, and their son Andre, we gathered sweet bread, purified drinking water, soap, paper towels, clothing, crayons, and paper before heading out to find our special friends.

What we discovered that day reminded us why humanitarian volunteer work matters so much.

As unique as each person was, we were continually surprised and delighted by their politeness and kindness. Their gratitude came quietly, often with a simple, heartfelt, “Thank you. God bless you.”

The Simple Joy of Being Seen

I had brought along three boxes of crayons and some paper. Three people eagerly accepted them and began to draw.

“Whatever you want,” I told them.

“Really? Whatever we want?”

Their surprise and enthusiasm said more than words could.

Meanwhile, we spread the donated clothing on the ground, and people helped one another find just two pieces each. An elderly man and his wife found large, warm jackets that could also serve as blankets for sleeping outdoors. One woman found a pair of pants that might fit her and changed into them right there.

At the water station Joe had set up, everyone eagerly washed their hands and drank a cup of our magic purified water. Nicolle then handed out delicious sweet bread, which was received with appreciation.

These were simple gestures, but they brought comfort, connection, and moments of joy to people facing difficult circumstances.

One Last Box of Crayons

Suddenly, the rain began pouring, and it was time to pack up.

I was determined not to leave without my three boxes of crayons!

One box was returned, neatly packed away. Another had been scattered across the ground, and I picked up the crayons one by one.

As we drove away, we spotted a man holding the folders containing the paper, with the crayons tucked underneath. We pulled over and asked him to return them.

Like a child caught up in the excitement of a new discovery, he asked if he could keep them to finish his drawing.

In the cold, pouring rain.

Of course, we said yes.

Why Community Outreach Matters

The rain was bitterly cold, and we were all soaked. Yet inside the car, we were warm, laughing, and smiling with full hearts.

That moment stayed with me. Here was a man who, despite the circumstances of his life, wanted nothing more than to finish a drawing. For a little while, he could simply be someone enjoying a piece of paper and a box of crayons.

It reminded us that nonprofit community outreach is about much more than distributing food, clothing, and essential supplies. It is about recognizing the humanity in every person, offering kindness without judgment, and creating opportunities for connection.

At the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation, we believe that everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and the chance to experience small moments of happiness.

Our volunteers and supporters make this work possible. Whether providing food and clean water, donating clothing, or simply taking the time to listen, every act of kindness can make a difference.

Join Our Volunteer Community in Costa Rica

You don’t need to change the world in a single day to make a meaningful impact. Sometimes, all it takes is a warm jacket, a piece of sweet bread, or three boxes of crayons.

If you’re looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica, the CRHF welcomes people who want to support vulnerable communities through hands-on humanitarian service.

As a nonprofit organization, we depend on the generosity of volunteers, donors, and community partners to continue our work.

Together, we can make a difference—one person, one act of kindness, and one shared smile at a time.

Learn more about our work and volunteer opportunities here.

Gracias por compartir nuestro sueño!