Diners can help group supply Third World schools

The group has made 16 shipments since 1999.
CORTLAND -- Cortland Humanitarian Outreach Worldwide is teaming up in August with a Warren restaurant to help furnish schools in Third World countries.
Theresa Hutton, a CHOW representative, said the nonprofit group comprises seven Cortland churches that make up Lakeview Outreach and Fellowship, or LOAF, and Harvest Christian Assembly in Howland.
Since its inception in 1999, CHOW has sent 16 shipments of used desks and teaching supplies to eight countries such as Guatemala.
During August, customers of Ponderosa on Elm Road, Warren, can ask that 10 percent of the costs of their meals be donated to CHOW.
What will be sent
Hutton said the money from Ponderosa will be used for teaching supplies. They will be shipped along with usable school desks, chairs, sports equipment, children's books, toys, medical equipment, blankets, food and cooking utensils.
"By collecting what has been discarded by one society, it becomes useful to another," she said, noting the school items won't end up in a landfill.
She pointed out that there are many desks and chairs in the area because of the large number of schools being constructed.
CHOW tries to include a school supply packet with each desk and a larger teacher kit to give additional help and support.
Hutton said that the U.S. military has built several schools in some countries as part of their humanitarian efforts, yet the desks and learning supplies are lacking.
"CHOW has been able to be of assistance in this area," she added.