What is $5.00 to You?

There are tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions, of orphans in the world. How can one person make any difference when there are SO many children in need? By helping the one in front of you. The one you happen upon. Donating $5 to this fundraiser may not change the world, but it can change the world for the child that gets adopted b/c of the adoption grant that you helped raise the funds for. Your $5 donation does make a difference!

In the grand scheme of things, what is $5 to you? It might pay for a burger, maybe a slice of pizza, or a Starbucks coffee? OR your $5 could help save the life of an orphan with special needs!

The great folks at Reece's Rainbow are on a mission to help orphaned children with Downs Syndrome and other special needs find families. Reece's Rainbow has 3 adoption grant funds for older special needs children. One is for Older Boys with Down Syndrome, one is for Older Girls with Down Syndrome, and the other is for Older Boys & Girls (combined) "Other Angels" with other special needs. Some of these "older" children are only 6 years old. Some have somehow survived in adult mental institutions for years. Some just recently got transferred to the institution. Some will be transferred if not adopted soon. 80% of the children transferred to mental institutions will die within the first year. These children need to be rescued! The need is great, but my God is greater!

Please join with me and take a stand to help these precious children! You can make a difference. Every cent donated will bring a family one step closer to bringing their child home. To be an orphan no more. To have a loving family and medical care they so urgently need and deserve.

For every $5 you donate, you get 1 entry in the raffle for a brand new iPad!
$5 = 1 entry
$20 = 5 entries
$50 = 16 entries
$100 = 35 entries
$150 = 55 entries

Below are some of the children that qualify for the older child grants you are donating to.

These first 2 girls are sisters:

Samantha - 11/22/04

Samantha and Kristina (20)
Girls, Born November 22, 2004 &
November 27, 2005

Samantha, on the left: microcephaly, mental retardation, crossed eyes, physically capable, friendly and affectionate girl, will do well in family environment

Kristin - 11/27/05

Kristina, on the right: cognitively delayed, physically capable, helpful, friendly, likes to play, good girl

Brady

Boy, Born September 23, 2004
Brady is a tiny six year old who has already been transferred from the relative safety and comfort of his baby house to a mental institute for boys ages 6-18. He is a friendly, active and energetic little fellow. His DS has given him a tongue thrust that makes it difficult for him to swallow, but he manages.
Brady is the youngest boy in his group at his underfunded, understaffed institute. There are only 2 workers to manage all of the needs of the 26 very needy boys in his group. Because of this, the boys are restricted all day, every day. Brady is not free to run, play, jump or climb. There are no swing sets, slides, toys or books for him to enjoy.
Brady has reacted to all of these restrictions as any other freedom-loving toddler would: he has become an escape artist. He ducks under the outstretched arms of caretakers to get away from the dull existence they impose upon him. He dodges the grasping hands of the older boys in his group a hundred times a day as he runs for the door.
Why is Brady so intent upon escape? Because he knows that there is a better life for him somewhere. He has not lived at his present institute forever. For five years, he lived at a baby house with children of his own age. He had toys. He had a playground and daily activities. He watched mothers and fathers come to visit. He watched adoptive parents come to gather other children into their homes. Brady knows what a mother is, and he wants and needs one so badly that he will climb from his chair up onto the table, trying to fold himself into the arms of a visiting mother.
The caretakers at Brady’s institute call the Down Syndrome boys their “Sunshine Boys” because they are the only source of joy in that dull, desperate place. Brady is the best possible example of a Sunshine Boy. He will add joy to any home. He has a heart full of love, and he is ready and willing to give that whole heart to the first mama and papa who offer him theirs.
If you would like to learn more about Brady from a family who met him at his present institute, please follow these links:
http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/10/great-bradini.html
http://covenantbuilders.blogspot.com/2010/10/brady-and-heath.html

Silas

Boy, Born November 29, 2004

Silas is a handsome little boy with brown hair and big brown eyes.  He is affectionate and has a glowing personality.   He is engaging, alert, and aware.  He was born with CP and all of his limbs are affected by the spasticity.    he has also has strabismus, which could be corrected with surgery.   He is not able to walk, but will truly blossom in a loving family who can provide therapy and encouragement for his progress.  

Silas has already been transferred to the institution, and will remain bedridden the rest of his life is he is not adopted soon.

Victoria

Girl, Born February 19, 2002 Victoria is a gorgeous, blonde haired girl who has been waiting for her family for far too long.  She is quite high functioning, active and healthy.   Please consider Miss Victoria!   She needs a family of her own.