First, we gave out our first legit micro loan. It was to a family who wanted to start making/selling tortillas. They put in their request for start-up costs (less than $300) and got approved pretty quick. Before we actually delivered on their requests they had two accounts with stores nearby. They are selling tortillas to shops in their neighborhoods.
Second, we did a test run of our thrift store/picking up trash idea. We opened up shop and told everyone in the surrounding neighborhood that if they pick up one bag of trash (we provided trash bags) we will give them tickets to shop in the clothing store. Most people took the bag and filled it, shopped, and enjoyed it. Others came back with one piece of trash in their bag. Others complained that it was a lot of work for the little amount of tickets that we gave. And still others tried to steal clothes and stuff once they were in. Whatever, we'll always have people trying to cheat the system. At the end of the day, it was a success. People understood that we're not here to give out more free crap. You want something bad enough you'll do something for it... nothing is free. If new clothes aren't worth picking up one bag of trash to you than you probably didn't want/need them anyway.
There's more to come. Basically we're moving towards being an organization that doesn't give anything out for free (obviously there are some exceptions but the concept is there).
