Planning a visit to an orphanage in Manila - Need gifts!

The last time I visited an orphanage was probably when I was still in High school as part of an exposure/immersion trip in Manila. To this day(20+years later), I still remember the joy, smiles and tight hugs that the children welcomed us with!

Having lived in Canada for over a decade now, and having been blessed with two beautiful & healthy children, I truly feel fortunate. I am also blessed with a husband who share the same sentiments and who gets teary eyed when watching ads of World Vision and Christian Children's Fund on Saturday Morning TV!

We have discussed about the possibilities of doing some volunteer work abroad but with two young kids, it doesn't look like it will happen anytime soon.

One day at home as we are trying to purge and sort used clothes to give away, we thought, there are so many children out there that could use some of these clothes. Don't get me wrong, we also help Canadian charities and foundations. We have a sponsored child from Africa via World Vision for several years now.. and Theresa volunteer as a photographer to children related organizations such as Darling Home For Kids and Autism Halton. But it still doesn't feel enough!

So, we have contacted a couple orphanages in Manila. The goal is to visit 2 orphanages and see how they operate and which we would really like to support going forward. As of today, we are booked to visit an orphanage called: Precious Heritage Children's Home.  The orphanage is just one of their programs. They also have street ministry (teaching/feeding), feeding programs, educational programs, sponsor-a-child, tribal education, christian school, daycare and livelihood programs.

So, on Saturday, January 8th, 2011.. Think of us! We will be at the orphanage to feed the children and deliver gifts!

We have a list of all the kids in the orphanage that includes their gender and age. I ask you, if you can, to pick a child and put together a little package for him/her. Kindly limit the size of the package to the size of the shoebox. (I promise if this works out, we will take whatever donation you have in the future).. But for now, we have limited space in our luggage so we are limiting the gifts. You can put in GENTLY USED clothing if you wish. Let's try to make it special for these children. I will promise that you will get a picture of the child opening the present! So, if you can put in :
1) Clothing
2) toy or school supply
optional - 3) others... maybe a Canadian flag or souvenir..

Deadline (we all need one) :) December 20th, 2010.
We would like to have it by the 20th, so we will still have time to put together gifts to those who have not been sponsored. Thanks! We can arrange drop-off/pick-up/meet-up by email. Email us at LoveForOrphans@theresabrereton.com


Thanks again!

John & Theresa Brereton

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some pics from their website: