Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Wish list for HCC Orphans
Today's visit to Glencoe High School and other discussions I have had the past few days about the Happy Children's Centre has led me to think that posting a "Wish List" might be helpful to people who would like to donate towards this work. I leave on Wednesday, June 13 and I will be in Kenya for three weeks. I will spend the first part of my time working with Portland State University and Kenyatta University in Nairobi on a research grant proposal covering HIV/AIDS and its affects on families. Then I will fly to the coast and visit HCC from June 28-July 3. Anything I take with me to Kenya should be in my possession to pack by Monday, June 11.
I am quite limited in what I can take with me because of luggage weight restrictions. I would like to bring a couple of soccer balls again, a small ball air pump, some dried fruit from Oregon, school supplies like pencils and more art supplies so the orphans can do another project year. In the past I have bought pencils at the Dollar Tree and given each child a new pencil, which is a big thing for them. I have plenty of paper to bring to them at this time.
Despite the weight restrictions, I am planning to bring some books for the start of a small library. Many of the orphans requested books in their cards to the Glencoe students and I know they have few if any books. I am trying to carefully pick books that are culturally sensitive and appropriate for their reading level. I have about 20 books so far, including a children's Bible and a simple children's dictionary. To find a list of books that I'm still hoping to include:
1. Go to www.powells.com
2. Click on Wish List at the top of the page
3. On the page where it asks for a "friend's list" type in my email address which is kirstencarpentier@hotmail.com
4. My list should magically appear. If you have any questions, please contact me via email.
5. If you are a student of Mrs. Shigemasa, please let her know that you are interested in helping out so she can guide you through this process or have her contact me.
In addition I plan to use cash donations to help augment the orphans' regular food with some high protein items and a special meal. I plan to take any orphans who need medical attention to the doctor if possible and get some simple medical supplies while I am there. I'm sure they will have other needs, and depending on what donations come in, I may be able to do more. I cannot take clothes or shoes, although I would dearly like to do so. There isn't enough room in my luggage to clothe all 300 orphans!! Anything like that I would need to consider buying there, but it would need to be something that all of the children receive.
THANK YOU in advance for your interest and generocity!!!
I am quite limited in what I can take with me because of luggage weight restrictions. I would like to bring a couple of soccer balls again, a small ball air pump, some dried fruit from Oregon, school supplies like pencils and more art supplies so the orphans can do another project year. In the past I have bought pencils at the Dollar Tree and given each child a new pencil, which is a big thing for them. I have plenty of paper to bring to them at this time.
Despite the weight restrictions, I am planning to bring some books for the start of a small library. Many of the orphans requested books in their cards to the Glencoe students and I know they have few if any books. I am trying to carefully pick books that are culturally sensitive and appropriate for their reading level. I have about 20 books so far, including a children's Bible and a simple children's dictionary. To find a list of books that I'm still hoping to include:
1. Go to www.powells.com
2. Click on Wish List at the top of the page
3. On the page where it asks for a "friend's list" type in my email address which is kirstencarpentier@hotmail.com
4. My list should magically appear. If you have any questions, please contact me via email.
5. If you are a student of Mrs. Shigemasa, please let her know that you are interested in helping out so she can guide you through this process or have her contact me.
In addition I plan to use cash donations to help augment the orphans' regular food with some high protein items and a special meal. I plan to take any orphans who need medical attention to the doctor if possible and get some simple medical supplies while I am there. I'm sure they will have other needs, and depending on what donations come in, I may be able to do more. I cannot take clothes or shoes, although I would dearly like to do so. There isn't enough room in my luggage to clothe all 300 orphans!! Anything like that I would need to consider buying there, but it would need to be something that all of the children receive.
THANK YOU in advance for your interest and generocity!!!
# posted by Kirsten's Updates about the H.C.C. in Kenya @ 5:22 PM 
