Thursday, January 31, 2008

It's all about the kids.


When Angel Covers started almost 5 years ago, I said that we would not have our own programs, build our own orphanages, start our own schools. There are wonderful organizations out there that are already doing fabulous work, and my goal was simply to support them. Well, clearly plans changed.

What I realized is that there isn't an organization out there that can do all of the work that needs to be done. So, we started doing some of it too. Angel Covers has provided medical care, shelter, loving caregivers, food, blankets, safe beds, etc. to children around the world. But, one thing we have continued to believe is that we can't do it all....no one can. And, if we work together the needs will be fulfilled faster, children will be safer, bodies will be healthier.

As you know, Angel Covers partners with Love Without Boundaries on a regular basis with projects. Both organiztaions firmly believe that our work is not about our foundations, it's about the children. It's about getting their needs met and giving them the best chance at life we possibily can. In the spirit of this belief, I'm asking anyone who reads this to PLEASE follow this link http://apps.facebook.com/causes/view_cause/51591 and donate $10 to LWB.

If you haven't heard, FaceBook is having a competition and the organization with the most individual donors by 12 noon pst. tomorrow will win $50,000. Right now, LWB is in the lead. You also may not know that LWB had someone hack into their website and take it completely down just after Christmas. They have been unable to fundraise for individual children, start new programs, and have lost at least $50,000. If LWB wins this challange, 10 children with serious heart conditions will have surgery. Your $10 will completely change the lives of these 10 babies.

I believe with all my heart that we all must work together to make an impact on this world. The needs are too great to do it alone. With that in mind, please make a $10 donation, ask you spouse and friends to do the same, and let's help LWB help these children. Because it really is simply about helping the kids.

Kari Fillmore

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Great News!

Baby Hua's medical care is fully funded! What a huge blessing so many people have given this baby. Little Hua is now in Hefei in an incubator. He is receiving special formula for preemies and seems to be getter stronger every day. He still needs to learn to eat on his own, but the long road he has ahead of him would never have been possible without all of our donors! We will continue to update you as we have more information.

We have started receiving donations for baby Cong also. She is almost one year old and has serious heart issues. Thank you to everyone who has donated for her care so far!! We still need $3,910 to fully fund her surgery.

There are so many other babies we know about who need medical care....2 babies who need cleft surgery, one who has a BIG tumor removed from her bottom and needs extensive after care....all of these babies are precious. And, with your help they are all getting the care they deserve!

Kari Fillmore

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Children in Need


Angel Covers learns about so many beautiful children who need our help on a daily basis. Sometimes we are contacted directly by an orphanage, sometimes we learn of children through other organizations. Always the children are in desperate need.

In the past week, we have been contacted by Love Without Boundaries about 2 babies who desperately need our help. Cong is an adorable little girl in the Anhui province of China who has serious problems with her heart. Cong is almost 1 year old and needs to have heart surgery to fix a VSD, ASD, and Tricuspid Regurgitation as soon as possible. We are working to raise the $4,210 needed to complete her surgery and give her a strong, healthy body as soon as possible.

Angel Covers has also agreed to help find supporters for Hua. Hua was born prematurely on January 15, weighing only 1 KG. Knowing how expensive intensive care can be, the orphanage tried to keep Hua in an incubator at the orphanage, but quickly realized he needs more care and a special formula. Love without Boundaries asked Angel Covers to help. Approximately $3,000 is needed for Hua's care. Because $1,200 has already been raised, Hua was transferred to Hefei and is receiving the care he needs.

If you are interested in helping either of these sweet babies, please go to http://www.angelcovers.org/donation.html to make a donation. You may put the child's name you are donating for in the memo section and we will make sure your donation is used for the baby you stated. You may also send donations to Love Without Boundaries. Regardless of where you send your donation, you will receive updates telling you how your baby is doing.

Thank you for your support of these children! We are grateful for everything you do for children around the world.

Kari Fillmore

Monday, January 14, 2008

Unrest in Kenya

First let me apologize for not posting in so long. Where does time go anyway?

Many people have emailed me recently about the violence in Kenya. Humble Hearts is very special to many of us. We have watched the children grow and become even more beautiful children than they were when they first came to the school. They are excited about learning and now have hopes and dreams they never dared to have before.

Fortunately, the current violence in Kenya won't put an end to those dreams. The Kenyan Government determines the country's school schedule. The beginning of the school year is January of each year and the children attend school on a 3 months in school, one month out of school pattern. School was scheduled to start on Jan. 7 this year. However, because of the violence, the opening of schools was delayed until Jan. 14. As far as I know, the school opened today without any problems.

There were certainly children and school staff who went to the country-side with their families during the holidays. Many of them were unable to return to Nairobi when planned because of roadblocks and violence. We are hopeful that all of the children and teachers will be able to return to school soon, and will have updated information about who has made it back to school and who hasn't by the end of the week.

We are thrilled to be moving forward with the lunch program, which was expanded this year to feed each and every child lunch at the school. For many, this is the first time in their lives they have been able to know without a doubt that they would eat each day. It's not possible to express the relief these children will feel.


Although Kenya is in turmoil right now, the children of Humble Hearts will be coming to school this week with the security of food, people who care about them, a safe place to live for those at Angel Cottage, and a strong hope for the future. In a city full of chaos, that's a comfort these children are not always privileged to feel.



Kari Fillmore