As Director of VIDA, I am constantly requesting
funds on behalf of
children. The needs of the children with whom we work are great and
there are never enough resources to help all the children who require
assistance. I want to thank all of you who have responded so generously
to our past requests and hope that you will continue to support VIDA's
efforts on behalf of children. I am now making a special appeal to all
of you for funds and resources to help VIDA with this special project
-- the renovation of an orphanage in Queltzaltenango, Guatemala.
As many of you who have adopted children from
orphanages know,
sometimes the children's living conditions are poor, despite the
staff's best efforts. In many countries, there are few resources
available to improve orphanage living conditions. As Director of VIDA,
I have had the opportunity to visit many orphanages worldwide. The
orphanage in Queltzaltenango is one of the most in need that I have
ever seen.
The 65 children in the orphanage live in a
situation that, quite
frankly, exerts a toll on their health and well-being. There is no
refrigerator and no appliances, such as blenders, to help the staff
prepare the children's food. The dining area lacks sufficient tables
and chairs for the children. The hot water heater is broken and the
lack of hot water makes it difficult for the staff to keep the children
and house clean. Plumbing problems contribute to the lack of adequate
sanitation facilities. Children sleep several to a bed and there are
not enough blankets to keep them warm. The walls are grimy and the lack
of curtains contributes to the bleakness of their living environment.
Children live with undiagnosed medical conditions and with disabilities
which receive no therapy.
VIDA is recruiting a team of volunteers to help
renovate the orphanage
this coming summer and to provide needed medical assistance. To help
make the orphanage more of a home, we are in need of funds to purchases
supplies and basic items such as a refrigerator. Donations of specific
equipment are welcome. We hope you can help VIDA provide these children
with a better place to live, giving them a more positive outlook on the
future.
Monies are needed to purchase the following items:
Refrigerator
Hot water heater
Washing machines
Plumbing supplies
Electrical supplies
Beds and chests of drawers
Paint & supplies
Wood to make tables & chairs
Mattresses
Fabric to make curtains, blankets
Institutional size blender
Toasters
Typewriter
Pressure cookers
Radios
Sewing machines
Join us in this important endeavor gto bring a
better life to many
wonderful children.
