Formula for Orphans in Haiti: Can You Help?

Here in Atlanta, it's hard to imagine what everyday life must be like in Haiti. From the moment my eyes open in the morning to the time they finally close at the end of the day (or, a lot of the time, after the start of the NEXT day--LOL!), things are very busy. From changing diapers to cleaning up applesauce spills to doing carpool to a nighttime run to Target for milk ... the hours are filled with plenty to do--and all with the conveniences and luxuries of a ready supply of diapers ... clean water to wipe up messes ... a car that runs ... and several nearby stores with plenty of milk to go around. Indeed, we are blessed and thankful.

But not so far away, there are children living not only without these luxuries, but also without parents ... or parents who are able to provide for them. These children are living in orphanages in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere--and they need our help.

I hope that, in my busyness, the needs of others are never far from my thoughts. 

Haiti has been on my mind a lot since the big earthquake of January 2010. I was so glad to learn that our 2010 Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes went to Haiti. (In fact, some of my friends and former colleagues at Samaritan's Purse have been distributing gift-filled shoe boxes there the last couple of weeks.)

Last month, a friend and fellow adoptive parent, Jason Young, traveled to Haiti with a footwear ministry called Soles4Souls. While he was there, he had the opportunity to visit an orphanage called Maison des Enfants de Dieu. You can read more about the orphanage, which is home to some 70 children, here--but please allow me to share a brief excerpt: "Each month, due to limited space and financial ability, the orphanage turns away over 80 children whose parents stand in line for sometimes hours to bring their children in because they can not afford to care for them."

I cannot imagine.

Jason was very moved by his visit to the orphanage and wanted to do something to help. So he contacted the orphanage director, who told him that one of the biggest needs is formula for infants. He has committed to collecting 1,000 bottles of formula for the babies at Maison des Enfants de Dieu. By March 16. (That's less than a month away from now!) He plans to personally deliver the formula to the orphanage in April.

How can you help? I am glad you asked!

Option 1: Donate formula by dropping it off at or mailing it to:
2300 Holcomb Bridge Rd
Ste 103-C5
Roswell, GA 30076

(One idea: You could even order formula on Amazon and have it shipped directly to the address above.)

Important Details:

• No glass, please. These could break when being transported.
• Similac or Infamil is acceptable. FYI: The babies there spit up less when using Similac.
• Ready-made, concentrate, and powder formula is acceptable. FYI: Ready-made and concentrate are preferred since the water there is not always safe and bottled water is limited.

Option 2: Donate any amount of money here. We will then buy formula at a bulk price.
100 percent of what you give will go toward this immediate NEED. Any amount is greatly appreciated.

You also can send me (Karen) your formula checks, and I can go buy formula with them or get them to Jason. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions--and feel free to spread the word as well! Thank you so much for your help with this important project!

P.S. I want to give a shout out to some of the moms in my online mom's group. These kind ladies have given the above formula (or checks that helped to purchase the above formula). And there are more checks that have arrived or that are on the way to be used for this wonderful cause. THANK YOU, Ladies!

P.P.S. The photos in this post are from Jason's trip to Haiti last month, with the exception of the formula picture. I took that one just a little while ago. I would love to post an updated photo of our tabletop filled with formula for Haiti!