We regularly help by the orphanage of the city of Staritsa, usually by delivering donations, making sure they are spent as intended, and reporting back to the donor.
Materials related to the orphanage will be piled here.
How it got started - the original interview with the orphanage director
Visit by Reach for the Stars
November and December 2002 developments
Those wishing to help financially may transfer the funds through us. Usually I personally deliver the money, discuss how it is to be spent, monitor and document the process, report that to the contributor, post the story here. An article in the local newspaper is normally run as part of my PR efforts.
Surgery Department, Staritsa City Hospital
Do you have access to surgical materials, medicines and equipment that are nearing their expiration date? A lot of value can be packed in a box. In a recent example I've encountered $8000 worth of stuff THAT WAS WORTH NOTHING IN THE US because it was nearing expiration was packed in three cardboard boxes. That's the sort of donation that makes sense. I may even be willing to assist with customs formalities.
Newspaper and School
These could use written off computer equipment. If you have laptop computers lying around and are on your way to Russia, take them. These will be used for teaching basic computer literacy so they don't need to be powerful. Anything that will support Win. 95 in its minimal installation will do.
Cynical confession
I help the orphanage because it gives me PR points. The newspaper people have been of great assistance in every way, from providing space to work to printing articles that express my vision of things. I just like the head of the surgery department Dr. Khotulev and enjoy the stories he writes.
[photos of newspaper, school, views of Staritsa, hospital,,,]