Rock Valley Heritage Kiwanis Club
 

The "Finish Line"

December 31, 2002

At the beginning of October we started this 90-day project.  It was intended as a stop-gap program.  While the Afghan government and charitable agencies were working feverishly to build infrastructure and programs, we had become aware of innocent children who were not yet affected by these programs.  With the Afghan winter coming on, they needed such basic items as mats to sleep on, blankets, windows, and doors for their building.  It was our hope to satisfy those needs and to do it in time!  We wanted these children to survive until the government and agency programs achieved "linkup".

Your generosity and enthusiasm resulted in those goals being achieved and much more!  We know of over 125 boxes of supplies that have been sent.  Monetary donations now exceed $8,700!  That overwhelming response caused overwhelming results!

Work is underway to restore six adjacent orphanage rooms.  This will double or triple the orphanage's current capacity.  Because of space limitations, they previously had to turn away some children, back to a life on the streets!  Now there will be more room.  Also, hearing of the restoration project, a charitable agency is sending school furniture.  Many of you already sent school supplies.  Everybody's efforts are coming together!

Other projects enabled by your generosity include the restoration of running water to the orphan compound and the development of an efficient and sanitary kitchen.

We've exceeded our original goals, made an immense difference, and it is now  time to move on.  We plan to retain the various "project" pages on our web site for the time being to enable those who wish to do so to review our progress, our dialogue, and some pictures from the journey.  To connect to the Project Home Page, click here.  Once there, you can navigate through the various pages.

Again, thanks to all who participated in this.  We've enjoyed your friendship, admired your generosity, and have grown from the journey we have shared!

Rock Valley Kiwanis Club, Rockford, Illinois