In 1999 Nancy Winfrey started a job with American Airlines, and soon began using her flight benefits, through various organizations, to deliver humanitarian aid. In the process she began to dream of an ongoing relationship within a third world country, instead of one time delivery projects. In 2005 she visited Guatemala, and found a school in a squatter community that was eager for a similar relationship.

Thanks to the resources and support of many generous individuals, organizations and companies, a steady stream of supplies began: school supplies, reading books and textbooks, toys for Christmas, clothing, medical and dental supplies, backpacks, soccer equipment, a prescription eyeglass library, and many, many bags of candy!

In the first two years 47 volunteers traveled to Guatemala to deliver supplies and provide construction work at the school site. They replaced the roof, painted walls and murals, and made numerous repairs. They built and stocked a food pantry. Along the way they have facilitated the exchange of many letters in Spanish from children in North Carolina and the children of the HOPE school.

In 2007 Friends of Guatemala incorporated as a North Carolina nonprofit, with 501(c)3 status pending.