As you might know,my sister and her friends have been reaching out to help two orphanages in Siberia for several years. They make an effort to provide assistance on a regular basis. Paul and I learned about their wonderful endeavor a few years ago,and at first both of us just sat and cried as we spoke of the stories that my sister shared with me. We both felt deeply that we wanted to try,in some small way,to assist in what my sister and her friends were doing to help those precious kids.
Starting in the Spring of 2009 we reached out to friends,family and colleagues to see if they would like to join us in this effort. Paul and I were deeply touched by the support and caring we witnessed from our local community and from our American and Russian friends. With the generous assistance of a local attorney,we founded a non profit organization – Hope2Hearts – from which all contributions go to the kids.
In December 2009 – January 2010 Paul and I personally visited 5 orphanages in Siberia and we were absolutely heart broken after each visit…so many kids are looking for a sense of home and family. We were deeply touched by all of our visits,but as we saw the infants in one of the orphanages,we were completely overcome,and just wept as we held each other,looking at the beautiful babies who need so much love,care and attention – they need a family.
In addition to helping the orphanages with everyday needs,my sister and her friends organize a New Year’s Celebration Party for the orphans each year. Every year over 100 orphans write letters to Grandpa Cold (Russian Santa) and EACH of the children receives at least one of the presents they asked for and a personalized hand written letter from Grandpa Cold and his granddaughter,Snow Girl.
Here are some pictures from the 2012-13 New Year’s Celebrations.
The work that my Sis and her friends do is AMAZING! We feel humbled and grateful as we see their ongoing efforts to bless the lives of these precious children! We want to thank all of our supporters and friends for your help in making this possible. THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts,and from all of the dear children! Much Love and Happy New Year to You and Yours!
With Love,
Olga.
