For the children

Donation Information for House of Hope or Bethzatha Children’s Home

House of Hope is the transition home run by our agency (Children’s Hope Int.) where our little guy is currently living.

Bethzatha Children’s Home is the rural orphanage where he was first placed before HOH.

Children’s Hope has given us the option of donating items to either the HOH or his specific orphanage if we would like.  We will gradually be gathering a few of these items to take with us.  If you would like to get a few as well, we can pack a full, extra suitcase of donations.  Please, do not feel obligated.  This is what we have been given as guidelines/ideas of what they may need.  If we find out any specific needs, we will pass along that information as well.

Here is a list of the kinds of items you might consider:

• Medical items (for children and staff accepted) - surgical masks, chewable and Polyvisol drop multivitamins, Neosporin ointment, band aids, Tylenol, thermometers, skin creams, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby soaps and lotions, deodorant etc.       
• The donation of formula for infants and older children is always needed, as are diapers (cloth). Both diapers and formula can be easily purchased in Addis, so if you’d like to cut down on luggage weight, purchase these in country to donate to the House of Hope or your child’s orphanage. Since it is highly recommended to keep the children on the same formula that they are used to, this is another reason to purchase formula in country; also it helps to boost the Ethiopian economy.
• Developmental toys – picture or board games, books, wooden blocks, rattles, mobiles, coloring books and large crayons for older children, puzzles, jump ropes, etc. Shoes, either new or gently used, for the children at the House of Hope are welcomed and appreciated. Gender specific toys.  
• Other baby care items needed for donations may include diaper pins, new nipples (in all sizes – not nuk/pacifier shaped) and bottles, baby wipes, teeth rings, high-quality clothes (all sizes and seasons!). Coats, sweaters, jackets, pajamas. All clothes should be clean, comfortable and if used, gently worn. Bottles, such as the Playtex brand system work well; see that the nipple has only one hole so that the flow is not too fast; additional holes can be added if necessary, using a clean pin. Underwear for toddlers and older children. 

So far, we have gotten together some cloth diapers and clothing!