This year, I am building a school in Guatemala in partnership with the Hug It Forward organization — not just to create classrooms, but to honor the life and legacy of my wife, Patricia Ann Koblenz. After losing Pat to cancer two years ago, I knew the most meaningful tribute would be one that reflected her passions — education, community, and environmental stewardship. Pat didn’t just teach — she connected. For more than 30 years in public education, she devoted her life to opening doors for students through language, literacy, and compassion. She worked tirelessly to bridge language gaps and ensure every child felt seen, supported, and capable of success. Pat believed education was holistic. She brought the natural world into her teaching — plants, animals, and the environment becoming tools for curiosity, responsibility, and wonder. She lived what she taught: connection to the earth and to one another. This school in Guatemala will stand as a living memorial: a place where children will learn, grow, and thrive for generations. I invite you to be part of this legacy.

Paz y salud!
Kevin Jones

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I am honored to be returning to Guatemala for my fourth year, and to be a part of this school build dedicated to Patricia. Along with spending several days working side-by-side with members of the community, we will also have a chance to explore the wonders of the local area. We would love to share with you the wonderful and rewarding experience that comes with immersing yourself in such a unique and vibrant culture. And how satisfying it is to play a very small part in bringing much-needed education spaces to a community that is typically underserved. The local community deeply appreciates the time and attention we share with them, and to me, the greatest reward is spending time with the children of the village, whose enthusiasm to work is only overshadowed by their charm, engagement, and desire to get to know us.

Hope to see you this October!
Jeff Rashid

How kids and communities build bottle schools

Pictures from our previous bottle school trips

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Fundraising for bottle schools

You might also like to fundraise for Hug It Forward bottle schools. Fundraising for bottle schools is optional – it is not a requirement of participating in a bottle school trip.

If you choose to fundraise, we suggest a $250 fundraising goal, but some people choose to do more or less than this. It’s really up to you – how much you think your friends and families can give, how creative you can be, and how much time you’re prepared to put into it.

See more information about fundraising.