MEXICO – Brianna Shaw and Kymberly Couch have been busy shoveling paths for people and helping out wherever they can.

They also have donation canisters set up in businesses throughout Rumford and Mexico, and are planning other fundraisers.

The two Mexico girls, age 16 and 14, respectively, along with 16-year-old Brittany Rea of Carthage, are trying to raise money so they can go to Jamaica when classes get out to help build a school under the Teen Missions Intl program.

“This will be an opportunity to do something good,” said Kymberly, whose father, Ken, had participated in the same program when he was younger. “My parents are supportive and are talking about it.”

Brianna’s mother is a little nervous about her daughter flying off to a Caribbean island, but her father has been supportive.

She’s heard a lot of interesting things about the experience from her Sunday School teacher at the First Baptist Church and thought she’d like to give it a try.

This will be the first time Kymberly has been on a plane. She, along with Brianna, are looking forward to learning about a culture so different from their own.

“I want to learn how other people live,” Brianna said.

The three girls began fundraising in February and have $300 so far, a long way from the $3,000 each needs. They are organizing a yard sale, bottle drive, bake sale, sale of flowers or chocolates for Mother’s Day, offering their help for chores people need around their homes, and planning other ways to raise the funds. They are also speaking at churches in the area and asking for financial help. The Baptist church will soon host a shower party for the girls where those attending will donate items the girls will need during their trip.

They plan to fly to Florida on June 9 where they will spend two weeks in a “boot camp” to train them for their work in Jamaica. They will then devote about a month with other teens from all over the country building the school.

“This sounded like fun and a good outreach to other people,” Brianna said.

Those who wish to help the girls may send checks made out to Teen Missions Intl, c/o Kymberly Couch, 6 Roxbury Road, Mexico 04257, or call 357-1250.