NIU’s chapter of the American Marketing Association has become one of many organizations and individuals to donate funds to needy Nicaraguan children through the DeKalb Area Interfaith Network.

By donating $10 a month for 12 months, the AMA is providing for a needy girl at an orphanage and child development center in Managua, Nicaragua.

Sonia Chartouni, member of the AMA’s public relations committee, said the money donated by the AMA will be used by the Nicaraguan orphanage for long-term plans and for the child’s basic necessities.

“We began brainstorming at the beginning of the year,” Chartouni said. “We were lucky enough to find someone in DeKalb who offers the adoption program.”

“(Adopting a child) was something I’ve always wanted to do,” she said. “The AMA had limited funds this year for large contributions, but we did have enough to adopt.

“It was kind of a new step for us. Our president was skeptical about the donation at first, but he realized later on that it was a good move to make.”

Cele Meyer, from DeKalb Area Interfaith Network public relations, said her organization donates several thousands of dollars a year through the godparent program to relief in the Nicaraguan area.

“There are hungry children there,” Meyer said. “We can make a real difference with our work and donations.”

Meyer said although there is a war going on in Nicaragua, “our work has nothing to do with politics. “The stresses of the war and lack of food have had a mental effect on the children as well as physical.”

Although the AMA’s donation will last only 12 months, the organization plans to continue its support in the future.

Individuals, including teachers from area schools, have constituted the bulk of the contributions, Meyer said.

Meyer said along with the AMA, organizations such as the Federated Church of Sycamore have contributed through the DeKalb Interfaith Network, 713 Hillcrest Drive.

The network also has set up a farm in Nicaragua named “The DeKalb Farm,” Meyer said.

The farm, located in San Marcos, will soon produce food which will go directly to malnourished children there, she said.

Extra proceeds raised by selling food from the farm will go to the orphanage, Meyer said.