Hand-painted face masks are the latest offering by the nonprofit organization The Art of Giving, which is led by Emma Faria. She hopes that with the sales, she can help her home country of Venezuela.
Faria, 16, has been selling masks for $8 each since August and donating the proceeds to Casa Hogar Carmela Valera, a Christian school in Maracaibo. She also sends money to hospitals with limited resources.
The face masks have garnered support from people in New York, Boston, California, Texas and more. Customer Matias Lacau, said he’s proud knowing 100% of his money is going to a good cause.
“I bought the mask because I thought it was a good idea,” said Lacau, 18. “The situation in Venezuela has just gotten worse and worse every year, so it’s good to donate to people in need.”
But the organization has more plans for the future — after the pandemic, Faria hopes to incorporate new ways of raising money and expanding the help to other developing countries.
“For me, the most rewarding thing is seeing those smiles and knowing that I’m helping others,” Faria said.
