The San Rafael Parish in Asuncion, Paraguay, held a hamburger distribution event to help children, adolescents, and elderly people living homeless in the bus terminal (EBA) area. This event, named "Charity at the Terminal," has been held bi-weekly for the past two years.

Father Patricio Hasin stated that this activity was started to help families in the area. He said that there are many indigenous children wandering the streets selling candy or cleaning windows, drug-addicted teenagers, and elderly people who receive no help near the bus terminal.

"This project started after watching the movie 'Sound of Freedom,' which deals with child trafficking. After that, we learned that Paraguay has a serious problem with more than 1,000 children going missing every year. About 1,200 children under the age of 12 are unaccounted for. The bus terminal area is one of the most problematic areas in this regard," he said.

The priest said that in addition to hamburgers, they are helping these families with various items such as medicine and hygiene products.

"We mainly prepare hamburgers and drinks because hamburgers are easy to transport. Sometimes we collect baby diapers, clothes, and medicine for those in need," he said.

Need for Government Support

The priest added that more support from the authorities is needed to improve the quality of life for children and adolescents who are exposed to danger on the streets every day, and that society should not be indifferent.

"There are many drug-addicted teenagers under the age of 20 living in the neighborhood, and unfortunately, there are also young children. We need to pay close attention to what is happening to the indigenous children who come to Asuncion. We have no control over them. Society also needs to get rid of some indifference," he said.

Father Hasin said that anyone who wants to participate in this charity work can come to the parish and help.

"Anyone who wants to volunteer can give small help, such as donating goods or helping with cooking."