WTC serves orphans, the sick and needy children in Eastern Europe, primarily in Belarus and Russia. Currently we have approximately eleven places that we send our parcels to. There are orphanages, homes for invalid children, as well as the many needy that are helped by local clergy in those countries.  The children range in age from 7 to 18, since all of these institutions are also schools.

     Through various articles in Orthodox publications, the work of WTC became known practically nationwide. There are participants as far away as the state of Washington!

     WTC is solely the work of Barbara who collects, packs, and ships all the many wonderful items that are received, and it is all done from her home. Each institution receives about 6 parcels a year. About 60 large boxes, with a total weight of 2,000 lbs. - a ton or more – are shipped annually.

     All the items sent are new!  No used clothing is sent, which is much appreciated by the recipients. The ladies who so lovingly and generously make the sweaters, vests, hats, scarves, slippers, socks, mittens certainly know that they are helping to keep hundreds of children warmer in those very cold climate countries. We also receive many purchased clothing items from those who wish to participate but do not have needle talents. All of these items help to complete warm wardrobes for the children. These items include socks, underwear, jackets, shoes, etc. Basically we are able to send to these children those things that all children need.

     In addition to clothing items, we have an annual “back-to-school” rally where we collect and send various school supply items, including notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, sharpeners, etc. You may wonder why we go to the expense of sending paper, which is available everywhere. The answer is that the institutions cannot afford to buy these items for all the children in their care. Some of the items which the children really enjoy are colored markers, crayons, and colored pencils. They are a real treat for them.

     A special effort is also made to send boxes in time for Christmas which include lots of slippers (handmade), mittens, hats and scarves. We also attempt to include small hygiene items such as bar soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes.

     There are many, many people and church groups who support WTC financially, enabling us to ship all these parcels. On an annual basis, the cost to send these 60+ boxes is about $5,000. Without this assistance it would not be possible to help so many.

     It is our hope that we will continue to have the strength to continue this work for years to come with the wonderful assistance of all participants.

Barbara Nafranowicz 167 N. Cottage Pl. Westfield, NJ 07090

New Year Greetings to all Participants and Friends of Warm The Children,
 
              
 Sincere appreciation goes to all participants of Warm The Children as the year 2014 was once again a very good one for the children.

2014 Financial Report:
2013 Opening Balance                       $4,180.98
2014 Donations                                     2,881.24
Total Donations                                   $7,062.22
Disbursements 2014:
Clothing                                                     534.99
Shipping Expense                                    4.235.98
Balance Forward                                 $2.291.26
 
Great news!  In 2014 we shipped 76 boxes weighing 2032 lbs.  We sent over a ton of love and warmth!     
 
LETTERS RECEIVED:

House of Mercy – Belarus #1
I’m glad to receive the parcel from you. And I’m happy to receive your letter most of all.  I hope you are good and God helps you.  Please send greetings to all participants of Warm The Children from our school children.  They like all items of your “magic box”.  We wish you a happy and healthy autumn. (letter sent 9/14)
With best regards, Father Fiodor

House of Mercy – Belarus #2
Best wishes to you and many thanks to all the charming ladies!  We’ve received your box. We were glad to find so nice and useful school items, lovely toys, pretty hats, wonderful children’s clothes and some sweets.
You are so thoughtful and kindhearted!  Please send greetings to all participants of Warm The Children from our school children.
In our turn, let us wish you all the best!
With best regards, Father Fiodor

House of Mercy – Belarus #3
First of all, let us thank you for your last parcel (November 2014) and all those kind words you wrote.  It’s really snowy and freezing in Belarus now!  Once again, we are grateful for your kindness and care.  In our turn we wish you a warm and joyful winter and all that’s good.
Lord’s blessing on you and your work, With best regards, Father Fiodor

Victoria House (Fr. Victor) Belarus #1
The first cold has arrived and your package was timely and necessary.  Many thanks.
With love in Christ, Father Victor

Victoria House (Fr. Victor) Belarus #2
It is early winter and we have frost and cold.  Right now the air has turned warmer.
We received your parcel – Thank you very much. Vitamins are very good and necessary.  We are very grateful for your help and attention to us.
A big hello to all who help us.
Happy holidays.  God’s blessing to all!
Father Victor
Alapaevsk Orphanage – Russia

Hello to all participants of Warm The Children.  We have received your parcel, thank you very much.  Our students always gratefully accept your gifts.  We wish you all the best!
We hope for further cooperation.  Thanks again for your attention to the orphans.
Sincerely, Alexey V. Fedorov and the orphans
Pechora Baby Orphanage – Russia
We received your parcel today – 20 December.  Thank you all for your kind hearts.  We have cold weather now and the warm things are very useful for our children.
THANK YOU!  HAPPY CHRISTMAS!
With best wishes, Natalia Vishnevskaya Chief Doctor
 
ITEMS RECEIVED:
We have received many, many lovely items from:
DC – Nina Shafran
Idaho- Sharon Matthews
Illinois – Matushka Sally Nielson
Minnesota – Ruthe Johnson – who sent 25 hand knit adorable teddy bears amongst her other contributions
New Jersey – Matushka Veli Franta, Fr. Paul & Matushka Mary Shafran, Joan Migton, Olga Miketzuk, Diane Peppes, Kalliope Papadakos, Knitters of St. Andrew’s GOC – Randolph – who knit and crocheted dozens of blankets, Diane Shuster, Merilyn Rosenthal, Patricia Lutz – who sewed dozens of fleece blankets
New Mexico – Maria Strokan
New York – “a friend” from St. Nicholas ROC – Whitestone
Pennsylvania – Church school project of Holy Ghost OC – they sent over 100 lbs of school supplies
Virginia – Sarah Psitos
Washington – Parishioners of Holy Trinity GOC – Spokane
(There is more – see Diane’s list later.)
DONATIONS:
Thank you to Ronald & Paula Mindzak $25, Lilla Telepchak $40 and Ann Polokow $25 for their monetary donations.  We would be unable to ship without your help.
PARCELS SENT:
Since the last newsletter we have sent 10 boxes, weighing 240 lbs at a cost of $503.20.
PAIRS PARADE:
The Pairs Parade was a resounding success.  You all are great!  The totals were 147 pair of mittens, 170 pair of slippers, and 7 pair of socks/tube socks.  Thank you!
 
As good Stewards, it is our privilege to help those in need.