There are a few spots left for this years’ trip to deliver Christmas gifts to orphans in Simferopol, Ukraine.  Travel dates are December 27th through January 3rd.  The total cost is $1900.00 which includes travel expenses, lodging, and meals. 

If you or someone you may know, is interested, please notify Kathy Drane (babylady290@aol.com) no later than Saturday, August 22nd.  Inquiries and  questions should also be directed to Kathy.

Residents of the First Transition Home with House Parent Valya and Adoption Facilitator Tonya

Hopeful Hearts in 2008 opened its third transition home in Ukraine.  The first two homes were for girls, but this one was for the boys.

The three transition homes help prevent children from living on the streets by housing selected children who have “graduated” from a traditional orphanage.  Although “graduation” typically occurs before age 17, orphan children are often released to the streets at much younger ages.

The transition homes are operated by Hopeful Hearts (Ukrainian) employees, and Hopeful Hearts provides all living necessities for the children.  The vision for the transition homes is to teach the children daily living skills and provide educational and spirtual opportunites so they can eventually give back to their own communities.

All through the spring and early summer we pass out, fill, collect, and process shopping bags filled with Christmas for approximately 1,000 children.  Then, a couple of days after Christmas, 14 to 16 volunteers board a plane and make the journey to deliver Christmas to the children.

This year was no exception: 13 of us left on December 27 and found that it truly is more blessed to give than to receive.  Many of us have been on every trip, and it has become the highlight of our Christmas – to watch a little girl open her bag and literally tremble with excitement and hug each and every piece is a joy that you cannot express in words.

The 2009 trip is already in the planning stage. We encourage you to consider participating in what will be the highlight of your Christmas.

If you would like more information about the 2009 trip, about donating a bag or volunteering to process, pack and ship, please contact us at 502.253.9825.