An appeal for donations from Orphans' Aid Society

The Orphans' Aid Society for Ukraine has worked for over seven years to aid orphaned children in Ukraine.

The Society presently manages the sponsorship of over 1,000 orphans in Ukraine who live either with their grandparents, distant relatives and sometimes even with strangers.

The state of the Ukrainian economy is deteriorating steadily; a typical middle-aged adult is hard pressed to support his or her children or to help elderly parents. This situation is a long-term problem without any improvement in sight, and has led to a higher than normal suicide rate. Combined with a decreased life expectancy, conditions in Ukraine have left many suffering children without any family support.

Many Ukrainian policemen, military service members, and people in other protective services have lost their lives while performing their duties. Just one example is the Ukrainian soldiers who died performing their U.N. duty to help stabilize war-ravaged Bosnia. Many of these were parents who left children behind.

The consequence of these tragic events and conditions in Ukraine is that the society now has more than 600 applications from newly orphaned children who seek support or some kind of assistance. In addition to being orphans, many are ill, and need help desperately.

For only $15 per month, sponsors can make a difference, perhaps the most important difference, in a child's life.

Upon choosing a child to sponsor, you will receive the child's picture, address, and information about his or her living conditions. The child is required to write a personal letter to you. Most of the society's sponsors write back to their sponsored children, and many personal relationships have been crafted in this fashion. Translation of letters is available if needed.

The Orphans' Aid Society for Ukraine is a registered charity with the IRS and all donations are tax-deductible. Administrative costs are amazingly low: less than 2 percent of revenues. These costs are kept so low because all society personnel work on a volunteer basis, and most expenses are covered from personal funds, not from donations.

For more information, write or call: Mrs. Mary Jowyk, Orphans' Aid Society, 129 Ridge Road, Douglaston, NY 11363; telephone: (718) 423-4966.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 28, 1999, No. 9, Vol. LXVII

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