The recent shootings at Virginia Tech remind us of just how fragile life can be and how quickly it can change. Living in the Denver metro area it is another reminder of the tragedy that occurred here at Columbine High School eight years ago. After the shootings at Columbine as we mourned for the families who lost their children, we all held our kids a little closer and were thankful that our children were still in our lives. As a parent, I cannot imagine losing one of my children. As difficult as that would be, children losing their parents would be even more difficult. And yet, that tragedy happens on a daily basis due to wars, poverty and the AIDS crisis.

This past month one of the girls that attends Humble Hearts School for the Deaf in Nairobi, Kenya, lost her mother. Cynthia's mother died from AIDS. She is now orphaned. Another child has recently left the school to return to the rural village with her mother who is dying of AIDS as well.  She will soon be an orphan.  The crises around the world that are continuing to cause the orphan population to rise touches the lives of children we work with daily. Not always as dramatically as creating a new orphan, but certainly in continuing to create an environment that hold these children's live captive. This is the very reason that Angel Cottage is so important.

Angel Cottage

Angel Cottage was designed to be a safe place for orphans and deaf children....children who are frequently shuned by their families because of their deafness. Angel Cottage provides these children with a home full of other children like them, the security of knowing there will be food at least 3 times a day, a family who cares for them, and an education that can provide them with a way out of extreme poverty. When Angel Cottage was started in 2005, it was orginally built for 25 children. Now, there are 35 children living there and the wait list is very long. More and more children, deaf and hearing, need the security of Angel Cottage. Construction has begun on a new Angel Cottage, which will provide a home for up to 80 children. But funds are very limited. Please consider donating to the wonderful home!

Project Tigger

Oh how I love Project Tigger! In April we were able to purchase another 310 baby boucers that were sent throughout China. In May, we have already ordered 50 for Russia and another 60 for orphanages in the Fujian Provience thanks to Fuijian Kids. The thought of another 410 babies sitting up and seeing the world is heartwarming. These babies will now be able to interact with each other and develop better social and motor skills than they would not have otherwise.

Child Sponsorships

Our sponsorship programs continue to grow as well. Children across the Tibetan Auntonomous Region need sponsors. Nearly all of the children at the WenLe school have sponsors and additional schools will be added for sponsorships soon. Additionally, Angel Covers will soon be adding the Mama's Wish program, in which children in high school and college recieve not only an education, but food, clothing, and support. Please watch our website to see how you can help these wonderful children for only $10 a month.

The Humble Hearts School for the Deaf in Kenya recently returned from school break and are eagar to start learning again. There are now 230 children at the school, but only about 110 are sponsored. Please consider sponsoring one of these kids. For $20 a month, your sponsored child will recieve a new uniform each year, daily lunch at the school, and school supplies. As a sponsor, you will recieve at least 3 letters a year, progress reports, and an updated picture at least once a year. At both Humble Hearts and schools in the Tibetan Auntonomus Region, you can make a difference in the lives of children for less than the cost of pizza for your family.

Plant-A-Book

Thousands of books were donated and shipped the Humble Hearts at the end of 2006. Shipping internationally takes a long time, but those books are now arriving and providing hours and hours of enjoyment for the children of Humble Hearts and the Dagoretti School. Humble Hearts was also recently awarded a grant to purchase textbooks. The school now has an additinal $1,000 worth of textbooks. Grades are going to just keep getting better and better! In a recent letter that was written to me from Emmanuel, a student at Humble Hearts, he said, "And our library is good. It has good books that I love to read."  It is great to hear how excited the kids are about the changes, and to know that your efforts are making a difference in their lives.

Yaks for Sale

Your response to our "Yak Drive" was wonderful! More than $1,000 was raised to purchase yaks this summer for schools in the Tibetian Auntonomus Region. But, more yaks are needed. The yaks will provide much needed hair for clothing, milk, cheese, and dung for heat. These great animals are gentle animals that rome the high altitudes without effort. Please consider providing a yak to a very needy school for only $62.50.

Gifts

Father's Day is right around the corner and we have gift cards we know you will think are perfect for dad.. Anything ordered before noon on June 13th will still be mailed on June 13th. Check out our great gift cards; a wonderful way to show dad that you want to not only give him a beautiful gift, but support other children the way he supports you.

Angel Covers also has gifts that are perfect for other occasions.  Our Angel pendants are another great way to someone how much you care. Angel Covers has a limited number of sterling silver Angel pendent necklaces.  These beautiful necklaces are $40.00 plus shipping, come with an 18” chain. We also have beautiful cooking aprons and sweatshirts with your child’s footprints for men and women.  These are being discontinued, so get one while you can. Blankets are always a good idea for dad. Consider a blanket in the colors of his favorite sports team.  And remember, for each blanket purchased through Angel Covers, another is sent to an orphan!l

How you can help!

With many new projects and opportunities comes lots more work. Therefore we are looking for even more committed volunteers to fill important positions. We need people who are willing to give themselves to children throughout the world in a variety of ways. Additionally, donations of office supplies, vitamins, and other items are always needed to help us care for children. Take a look at the list below of job opportunities and items needed to see if you there is a way you can help. If any of these positions sound interesting, please complete this volunteer application and tell us about yourself.

Sponsorship Coordinator for the Sichuan Schools in the Tibetan Auntonomous Region of China
Director of Grant Writing
Medical Director
Web site design and maintenance
Vitamins, infant and children's chewable, are always needed.
Colored pencils, crayons, and other school supplies (but not paper)
Developmental toys such as stacking cups and duplos
Canon printer ink. Cartridge size 8

There are millions of children around the world who need us to take action. If we remember that each and every child deserves our attention, our care, and our love, we can make a huge impact and stop tragedies from continuing day after day.

Sincerely,
Kari Fillmore
Director, Angel Covers