Marganets Orphanage/School
This facility for children with special needs is overcrowded and poorly funded in the post-Soviet economy. Of the 152 children served here, a number are not orphans but have mental or physical disabilities, or their families are dysfunctional. The winter is harsh, and the temperature in the buildings does not go above 40 degrees.
On his first visit, Mark Koehler, founder of Mission Ukraine Children's Hope, noticed the vacant looks on the children's faces. Many wore ill-fitting clothes that weren't suitable for the weather. There were few toys and games. MUCH has provided hundreds of clothing items, including warm jackets and sweaters, shoes and boots, as well as a sound system, toys, recreational equipment, two small washing machines and cleaning supplies.
Our good friend, Anatoliy, manages our efforts in Marganets. He shops for the children from a list provided each month by the administration. He may be shopping for 20 pairs of tennis shoes at one time--all sizes, boys and girls. He wrote, "You have to see their faces. The appreciation of children is impossible to describe and write down when we give to the children. It's a big thanks to you. Because of this help, it is first time in many years children have clothing and shoes to be dressed up not too bad."
In the spring, MUCH sends the oldest children on a shopping trip with Anatoliy and their teacher to buy an outfit for graduation that will also serve them well in their new lives. After the trip with 12 children this spring, Anatoliy wrote, "We chose the clothes and shoes together. All children were very happy and send to you the great Thanks. They have even tears out of joy on their eyes. It was their first purchases in their life that were bought by themselves."
The children now have shoes and clothes that fit. But, they keep growing, and new children arrive. So, as in any family, it's a constant challenge to keep them clothed. With the support of generous donors, MUCH will continue to provide the basic clothing needs for each child.
Read Letter of Appreciation from children of Marganets.