Christmas Project Hijacked

[Lotsokids]

Each year since we've been in Hungary my wife has organized and led a Christmas program for Hungarian orphans. Each year we sponsored a different orphanage. We put an "Angel Tree" project together. My wife would meet with the director of the orphanage, and had the children INDIVIDUALLY write their age and what they are interested in (Legos, Barbie dolls, etc.). Then we would bring that info back and post this on individual cards on a centrally located Christmas tree. People could then take a card and sponsor a child by purchasing a gift according to what they are interested in. Last year we met at the orphanage and handed out gifts to EACH of the 96 children, calling them up BY NAME. THAT WAS AWESOME to see their reactions. PRICELESS.

BUT... yesterday I came home to find my wife in tears. She told me that our base commander took over the project as his own and was now giving direction to my wife on how it will operate. He said we will not be sponsoring an orphanage, it will be a local safe house. He also said there would be no more personal requests. Just boy/girl and age. Unbelievable! I don't have a problem with the safe house, but we do stuff there all the time. I've personally been there doing repairs, painting, etc. with other people. We just need to spread the blessings around a little and not just focus on one place.

So I came up with an idea. I found a way to post a document online where people can sign up and sponsor orphans just like before. The Colonel can do his own thing. Frustrating, but we have a work-around.

I am NOT soliciting involvement from you, my fellow FJ riders. I'm just venting a little.

Here's some photos from last year. This orphanage was nearly a 1 hour drive away, but there was a great need.



My wife speaking to them through a translator:



Each child was called up by name:



This is me talking with a couple of the kids:



You can't go into a facility like this an not be moved. In the picture below, all these children came from the same family. Their dad murdered their mom, and now he's in prison and all the children brought here.

[racerman_27410]

I'm in ... what's your pay pal account?


Frank

[JMR]

Leave it to somebody to screw up a true altruistic endeavor.

[Steve_in_Florida]

You and your wife are amazing.

Bless you both.

Steve

[Dan Filetti]

I'm in ... what's your pay pal account?


Frank

I'm with Frank.  I know you said you were not soliciting.  Stuff that.  Do let those of us that do want to help, know how we may, please?

Dan

[Tiger]

I'm in ... what's your pay pal account?


Frank

I'm with Frank.  I know you said you were not soliciting.  Stuff that.  Do let those of us that do want to help, know how we may, please?

Dan

Like Frank and Dan, I'm in... My step dad, (who passed two years ago), came out of Hungary (Budapest) during the '56 uprisings..I'd be more than happy to help out those that are way less fortunate than me/us 

John.

[I make oil]

I'm in and glad to do it.  Just need a PayPal.

[Klavdy]

Put up a postal address and some Aussie goodies will be sent.

[fj11.5]

Dont have much to give in one go,  but every bit must help a little 

[musicman]

Our church has done angle tree for years, as long as I can remember. I would like to help out as well, just let me know how!

[Pat Conlon]

Count me in also......

[Lotsokids]

Thanks all for the kind words and willingness to help. I want to be careful that I don't set a precedent for money transactions here on the forum. That was not my intention. My wife and I are thankful that you guys want to make a difference.

The way we did it in the past was to try to keep it fair for all the kids. We had a limit of $20 to spend on each child. If people wanted to do more, you could sponsor more kids. But as you may understand, we have to keep it as even as possible. For those who want to sponsor an orphan, I will send you each a private message later (maybe in 2 or 3 weeks) with my PayPal account and children's info when we get ready to start this year's event. Maybe I can keep you connected personally with your gift and child and possibly pictures. I know that's a large task, but it means a lot.

Klavdy - You will be the first to get involved if you wish. I will send you my address via PM now. It will take some time for shipping, so maybe if you send it by mid-November at the latest. Make sure you mark it as "gift" on the customs label, otherwise Hungary's VAT soaks me for 27% of the value. Thanks so much for the offer!

I really didn't intend for this to develop into what it is, but we do appreciate it and sincerely thank you.

[movenon]

Put me in coach !!! Make the world a better place.

[racerman_27410]

Make the world a better place.

I totally agree... it has to start somewhere! 


I'll be looking for the PM.


KOokaloo! (for the kids!)


Frank

[FJmonkey]

Power Rangers were made for this kind of help, count me in..... And point me the nearest gigantic insect that just landed from planet Betelgeuse so I can justify my existence.