Christmas for Russia

The holidays are fast approaching!  This year we are giving you the opportunity to truly make a difference in the life of an orphan!  We have been blessed with the opportunity to provide each child at Children's Home #1 in the Novgorod Region of Russia with a special gift of their own this Christmas.

Children's Home #1 is home to 200 children age 6-17.  Your $15 will sponsor 1 child.  Each child will receive a wrapped shoebox full of goodies!  Father Christmas will be delivering the shoeboxes to all the children at a Christmas celebration in January.  Our in-country friends will purchase the gifts, deliver them and snap photos of the party!


Donations can be made on our website  or mailed to:

Two Hearts for Hope
P.O. Box 1928
Lebanon, MO 65536


Deadline for supporting these children is December 1, 2011.  


We hope you will add a child from Russia to your gift-giving list this Christmas!

2012 Cherished Children Calendar

We are now accepting photos for our 2012 calendar!

To have your child(ren) featured, please:

1) Send ONE photo of your child(ren) to photos@twoheartsforhope.org. To be fair to all only one photo per family is accepted.

2) Please include the name of your child(ren) and the region adopted from.

3) Photos need to be 90kb or higher.

NOTE - In order to create the best possible calendar we are limited to 72 pictures. When we reach this limit we will no longer be accepting photos so ACT FAST!

The deadline for photos is Friday, September 23rd!

Project Bright Smile

While we were in Russia this past May we were able to donate many items, among them were toothbrushes and toothpaste. The orphanage director was mostly excited about the toothbrushes. We were told that toothbrushes are hard to come by and are very much needed.

Imagine not having something as basic and simple as a toothbrush? This often leads to poor dental health and nutrition problems later in life. Something we take for granted is a rare treat for the orphans.

Proper dental hygiene is not a priority in orphanages. The effects of not brushing will start out minor but will become serious over time. Plaque build-up will cause a substantial discoloration of teeth, and gingivitis and cavities can occur.

For $10 you can provide one child with a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap. Our goal is to help improve the oral health and basic hygiene of these children. There are approximately 200 children in Russia that desperately need these basic necessities.

To donate please click visit our website, www.twoheartsforhope.org/smile

Please help us brighten smiles by donating today!

A chance to help us in Taraz

In just over a month our team will be heading to Taraz, Kazakhstan to replace the beds and mattresses at the Ulan orphanage. We will also be visiting two other orphanages where we will love on the children. Below is a list of items we want to include with the other donations we have received:

- Face paint and brushes

- Stickers

- Construction paper

- Crayons

- Jewelry making kits

- Soccer balls and basketballs (deflated)

- Hand pump to inflate balls

Would you please consider donating one (or more) of these items? Items should be new. If you can't shop for the items a monetary donation can be made via our website and we will shop for you!

Donations need to reach us by September 1st.

Two Hearts for Hope

P.O. Box 1928

Lebanon, MO 65536

Thank you for your support!

4 ways to help!

Looking for a way to support Two Hearts for Hope and the babies in Kazakhstan? We have four ways for you to get involved!

Matching Donation: Last week we were contacted by a donor who wants to do a matching donation for the Window Restoration Project. All the money we raise now up until we reach$5000 will be matched! This means that any donation you give will be worth double. Please consider making a donation and helping us reach our goal!

Raffle: We are in the process of organizing a fundraising raffle. All the proceeds will benefit the Window Restoration Project. We are looking for volunteers to donate any item, small or large, to the raffle. The raffle will be held online. Donations can either be mailed directly to the winner at the conclusion of the raffle or mailed to us now and we will take care of connecting with the winner. Ideas - Do you sell Pampered Chef, Tupperware or any other item? Gift cards are always a hit! Anything handmade is perfect. Please contact us. if you are willing to donate.

Vote: Take 30 seconds and visit this website - Giving of Life to vote for us to receive a grant! You can vote once and don't need to give your email address!

Desitin needed: The Karakastek orphanage in Kazakhstan has asked for tubes of Desitin diaper rash cream. You can either shop and send the cream to us or donate online and we will shop for you!

Thank you for your continued support!

Generosity in action

Yesterday we sat back and watched God work in the lives of the Russian children. We started the day with only 25 orphans supported and went to bed with 22 LEFT to support! This morning we woke up and only have 14 to go!

Thank you so much to the following people who have donated/pledged to support Mission: Russia!

Ann Hochstetler

Beth Rosenberg Sanders

Muriel Collison

Antares Foundation

Laura Rosier

Kami Dykes

Kim Jury

Stacey Pynn

Kimberly Hinderegger

The Snyder Family

The Ruopoli Family

Paula Chaffin

Dustin Stone

Carolyn Tarpey

Maureen Powers

Sandi Arbolino

James Brad York

Holly Trawick

Melissa Heaton

Philip Brotherton

Jodi Mechem

Barbara Hines

William Combs

Julie Rolfes

Marla Davison

Jennifer Collins

Khadine Kubal

Mary Swarts

Mitzi Hicks

The Sykora Family

Kimberley Morrison

Kim Glass

Elizabeth Cohen

Trudi Behr

Jennifer Heckert

Theresa Craft

Patricia Hoffa

Kristan Struck

Mary Griffin

Melaney Sems

Marianna Herron

Kathleen Walker

Stacey Pynn

San Aye Tin

Susan Serra

Amanda Vigale

The Falk Family

John Archambault

Jim Hansen

The Friesen Family

The Siefer Family

Julie Clifford

Darleen Doan

Robin Windsor

Angie Jackson

Doretta Roderick

The Ballard Family

14 kids in 13 days, we can do it!

Trunk shows

Trunk shows are a great way to support Two Hearts! Recently Muriel Elrod held an online trunk show for the clothing company SOFT! It was a huge success!

Thank you to the following people who shopped to support Two Hearts and to Muriel for this great idea and continued support!

Susie Pearson
Frank Ruopoli
Julie Collison
Deborah Collison
Susan Serra
Lisa Chaney
Maureen Stateman
Carrie Brody
Tori Frighetto
Karen Floyd
Gretchen Bilbro
Kami Dykes
Dawn Holmberg

We have a Stella and Dot fundraiser going on now....

Ready to update your wardrobe for Spring?

Come browse the new Spring line of Stella and Dot Jewelry and help the children of Kazakhstan at the same time!

A portion of all sales will benefit Two Hearts for Hope!

Drop by our on-line jewelry trunk show:

When: April 8-22, 2011

Where: www.stelladot.com/pambaldwin

To order:

Visit, www.stelladot.com/pambaldwin
Click on "find your hostess"

Under "hostess first name" type in "Two Hearts"

Two Hearts for Hope Trunk Show will come up.

Click to confirm Two Hearts for Hope trunk show.

Enjoy shopping for beautiful jewelry while you are helping Two Hearts for Hope!

Donations to Karakastek

As part of our Nauryz celebration we have donated $1000 each to the Shelek, Karakastek, and Esik orphanages. The orphanage directors asked for specific items that will be purchased with the money. Karakastek requested formula, porridge, juice, yogurt, diapers and medicine. This orphanage was in desperate need of these items so the decision was made to purchase them now instead of waiting for Nauryz on the 22nd of March. The items were dropped off yesterday.

Some of the orphans that benefit from your giving.

Shelek and Esik will receive the items they requested closer to March 22nd.

Thank you for supporting Two Hearts. Without your support this would not be possible.

Nauryz: Mission Complete!

A genuine "thank you" to the families and individuals who felt called to help support three orphanages in March. With your support ALL 126 orphans will celebrate Nauryz with a party, small toy and book!

Thank you to the following:

The Siefer Family
Alison and Jeff Lyle
Regina and James Oleary
Victor and Kristi Tiller
Dennis and Darlene Fiorentino
William and Lisa Chaney
The Windsor Family
Michelle Burg
Kathy Sykora
Muriel Collison
Kari Vogt
Jennifer Collins
Denice Gustafson
Marla Beasley
Angela Reinoehl
Kimberley Morrison
Jacqueline Izzo
Maureen Powers
Marie-Claude Bedard
Lou Ann Quast
Teresa Blackburn
Janice Travers
Amanda Vigale

(For a complete list, see the post below)

We were overwhelmed with donations and are happy to report that we collected an extra $450! We will put the extra towards a Nauryz celebration in the city of Pavlodar. The Gobble Family has graciously agreed to throw the party when they return to Pavlodar to bring home their new daughters.

As always, we will post pictures when we get them!

THANK YOU!

Are you one of the 27?

Only 27 more orphans left to support by March 20th! Are you one of the 27 people we need to make 126 orphans smile a little brighter on Nauryz?

Thank you so much to the following people who have answered our call to help these children:

Scott Peterson
Shauna Freiberger
Stephanie Hines
Ann Hochstetler
Robin Jonas
Regina Ruopoli
Davina Garrett
Lynda Robey
Beth Rosenberg Sanders
Elizabeth Cohen
Susan Serra
Karen Floyd
Mark Wood
Heather Roach
Jim Meta
Leesa Schlimgen
Jennifer Thompson
Alaina Falk
Holly Trawick
Erin Herman
Pamela Catania
Aaron Woods
Jodi Mechem
Quaintance Miller
Christine Kasianczuk
Susan Collins
Stacy Segebarth
Rose Hughes
Kate Ampleman
Kami Dykes
Laura Rosier
Mary Griffin
Kellie Walden
Julie Clifford
Donna Perkins

Please consider donating $15! http://www.twoheartsforhope.org/nauryzcelebration.html

Nauryz Celebration!

Help the children in Issyk, Karakastek, and Shelek celebrate the spring holiday of Nauryz by sponsoring an orphan.

March 22nd is the Kazakh holiday of Nauryz which celebrates the end of a long, cold winter and ushers in spring. Nauryz is generally celebrated with a great meal among friends and family. The holiday lasts for one month with cultural events, games, song and dance. The main theme of the holiday is joy and renewal.

Your $15 donation will sponsor 1 of the 126 orphans in three orphanages. Our goal is to provide a Nauryz party for the children who will otherwise not celebrate this traditional holiday. With your sponsorship, the child will receive a toy, candy, and a small book.

To donate visit our website or send a check to:

Two Hearts for Hope
P .O. Box 1928
Lebanon, MO 65536

You may specifiy which orphanage you want your donation to go to. All donations are tax-deductible.

Help us bring joy to these orphans!

Our biggest project yet!

Ust-Kamenogorsk Window Restoration Project

Did you know the average winter temperature in Ust-Kamenogorsk is between -4 and 15 degrees F? The windows at the baby home are in need of replacement. They are drafty, old, and rotting away. The children inside deserve to be warm during the long cold days of winter. Children exposed to these cold temperatures are at higher risk of asthma, heart problems, cough, and "walking pneumonia."

The orphanage is home to 122 children age 0-4. The building has three floors with 45 windows on each floor. There are seven windows in each group; three in the bedroom, three in the living area and another one in the locker area. There are thirteen groups of children.

The cost to replace all of the windows is approximately $81,000. The cost per floor is $27,000 and the cost of each window is $600. Our goal is to replace the windows a floor at a time and to raise the funds in a year or under.

Please consider making a donation towards this project. There are many ways to donate; either make a direct donation on our website or consider purchasing something in our shop. All the proceeds from our merchandise will go towards this project. You can also send in a check to:

Two Hearts for Hope

P.O. Box 1928

Lebanon, MO 65536

Help change an orphans view and donate to the window redo!

The Perfect Gift

2010 Two Hearts for Hope ornament: This ornament is the second in our continuing Christmas series and features a sketch of the playground we built this year at the Children's Home in Almaty City. It is 2 1/2'' in diameter, custom pewter, hand sculpted with satin pewter finish, and has a red ribbon! Give as a gift and we will enclose a note card stating a donation has been made in honor of the recipient. Quantity limited to 100 ornaments. Get yours before they are gone! $20

2011 Cherished Children calendar: Celebrate the gift of adoption all year long with our beautiful calendar featuring children adopted from Kazakhstan. These adorable children will make any home a little brighter in 2011. $20

Cooking for Kaz: Meals for Hope: Over 200 family favorite recipes as well as Kazakh recipes are included in this cookbook. By celebrating the beautiful children of Kazakhstan we hope to make a difference in the lives of those children still waiting for their forever family. $17

100% of the money raised will go towards our continued efforts to bring hope to the orphans in Kazakhstan.

Please visit our Christmas shop today! http://www.twoheartsforhope.org/shop.html

Cookbooks are in!

The cookbooks are in and they look great! There are over 200 family favorite recipes as well as Kazakh recipes included in this cookbook. They are $17 (shipping included) and will make a great gift for anyone on your holiday shopping list! Order soon to guarantee Christmas delivery.

All proceeds from the cookbooks go towards our continued efforts to bring HOPE to the orphans in Kazakhstan. Now that Kazakhstan is closed to international adoption we are needed more than ever.

http://www.twoheartsforhope.org/shop.html

Ornament

Our 2010 Christmas ornaments are in!

This ornament is the second in our continuing Christmas series and features a sketch of the playground we built this year at the Children's Home in Almaty City. It is 2 1/2'' in diameter, custom pewter, hand sculpted with satin pewter finish, and has a red ribbon! Cost is $20 (includes shipping) and will make the perfect holiday gift for anyone in your life! Give as a gift and we will enclose a note card stating a donation has been made in honor of the recipient. All proceeds will go towards our continued efforts in Kazakhstan.

Quantity limited to 100 ornaments. Get yours before they are gone!

You can purchase the ornaments from our online shop by clicking here!

2011 Cherished Children

We are now accepting photos for our 2011 calendar!

If you would like your child to be featured please send us ONE photo of your child along with the region he/she was adopted from by October 1st!

Photos need to be 90KB or higher.

In order to create the best possible calendar we are limited to 75 pictures. When we reach this limit we will stop accepting photos so ACT FAST!

Please send your child's photo to photos@twoheartsforhope.org

All the proceeds from our 2011 calendar will go to our 100 Beds for Sleepyheads campaign.

Deadline

Sunday is the last day to send in those family recipes for our cookbook!

If you are interested in being included please send ONE or TWO of your favorite family recipes with the following information by August 15th!

- Name
- State you live in
- Name of children
- Region your Kazakh cutie was adopted from
- The date your adoption was finalized


Please send recipe(s) to recipes@twoheartsforhope.org.

Our 2nd edition will feature more Kazakh recipes along with great family recipes!

Thank you for your support!

Calling all cooks!

We are busy organizing the 2nd edition of our "Cooking for Kaz" family cookbook and WE NEED YOU!

If you are interested in being included please send ONE or TWO of your favorite family recipes with the following information by August 15th!

- Name
- State you live in
- Name of children
- Region your Kazakh cutie was adopted from
- The date your adoption was finalized


Please send recipe(s) to recipes@twoheartsforhope.org.

Our 2nd edition will feature more Kazakh recipes along with great family recipes!

Thank you for your support!

Necklace fundraiser

Show your love for adoption! Two Hearts for Hope has teamed up with Bashful Bliss to bring you these adorable, one of a kind adoption necklaces. Bashful Bliss is a unique and fun company that enjoys giving back! They design glass tile necklaces with the idea to give a little "happy" to someone and allow them to find bliss in the "little" things in life!

Each necklace is hand-made with a 1' x 1' inch glass tile in Kazakhstan colors attached to a coordinating ribbon cord by a sterling silver bail. Each necklace is 18' inches in length with a 2' lobster clasp. We have three styles for you to chose from: "Chosen", "Forever" and "Miracle." Necklaces are $15 plus $3 for shipping and 100% of the money will go towards our continued efforts in Kazakhstan.

To purchase, visit our website - www.twoheartsforhope.org

New fundraisers

T-Shirts:

While we were in Kazakhstan, the children of the Zhanyua Children's Home (formerly CH #3) in Almaty painted shirts for us. These shirts were designed by Kaz parents Matt and Suzanne Ruley and have our logo on the front with a picture of the playground on the back. The playground has been colored and signed by a child. Each shirt will come with an info sheet on the child artist.

The sizes available are as follows:
Youth small - 12
Youth medium - 1
Youth large - 1
Adult small - 4
Adult medium - 45
Adult large - 35
Adult XL - 19
Adult XXL - 9

Shirts are $20 for adult sizes and $15 for youth sizes. The proceeds from these shirts will go towards our continued efforts to help the orphans of Kazakhstan.

A huge thank you to Matt and Suzanne for their idea with these t-shirts!

You can purchase the shirts on our website, www.twoheartsforhope.org

1st Annual Walk for Kaz:

Please join us for our 1st Annual family friendly 5K Run/Walk to be held September 25, 2010 at Eagle Creek Park in Indianapolis, Indiana. All proceeds will go directly to Two Hearts For Hope, a 501 (c)3 nonprofit organization.

Walk for Kaz is the vision of four moms to children born in Kazakhstan. Alaina, Ann, Gretchen and Kim have dedicated their lives to helping give back to the children still waiting for their forever families. Each woman left a piece of their heart in Kazakhstan and could never forget the children left behind. These women serve with Two Hearts for Hope, a 501 3C nonprofit that has reached a countless number of children in Kazakhstan through the generosity of many people.

Our goal is to raise awareness for the plight of the orphan in Kazakhstan. There are 143 million orphans in the world and of that an estimated 100,000 live in the country of Kazakhstan. All proceeds collected from this walk will go directly to supporting Two Hearts for Hope on their mission to make sure the orphans have the basic necessities every child deserves.

Please come join us as we bring HOPE to Kazakhstan's orphans, one step at a time