(Updated January 2009)
We are often asked for a list of specific needs to continue the work we do in Haiti. Your gifts and help with meeting these needs make it possible for us to take in and care for more and more children. Here's a brief list of some of our most immediate needs. For more information, please contact us at usoffice@danitaschildren.org. If you would like to meet one of these specific needs, please make a note in the comment section of your donation page, and we'll see that your gift goes to meeting that need. (Check back often as we update this page to reflect our most current needs regularly.)
Currently, we are in need of:
Solar panels - the cost of fuel to keep our generators on in tremendous. We are installing solar panels on our new buildings, but have hopes of retro-fitting our existing structures to reduce the cost of electricity at our compound. The initial cost of the panels and installation is high, but over the long run, the savings will be incredible for Danita's Children.
Food - the food crisis is enormous in Haiti, and now with the 2008 hurricanes having destroyed nearly 80% of the food crops in Haiti, global experts are now predicting a famine in Haiti. Your contribution will help ship food to the hungriest children.
Computers - To prepare our children for a better future, technology is an important aspect of their education. New computers and up-to-date educational and business applications, especially in French, are greatly needed.
Musical Instruments - Music is an important part of the Haitian culture and every child's education. Quality musical band instruments and supplies for a music department of all kinds are greatly needed.
Construction Materials - We have a great need for good construction tools and materials for our building projects. For a specific list of needs and ways to help with this, please contact us.
Medical Supplies - Our medical clinic will require a constant provision of medical equipment and supplies. We will also be in need of furnishings and bedding for the new clinic. This is a very extensive list. For more information about the medical center and supplies needed, please contact us.
Missionary Doctors and Nurses - We are forming medical and dental missions teams for 2009 and 2010. If you would like to participate in a medical missions team to Haiti, please contact us for details.
Furniture - We are in need of furnishings for our missionaries homes, orphanages, offices and school in Haiti. Your financial gift will help us purchase these items in the Dominican Republic.
Uniforms - We purchase large amounts of fabric and hire local seamstresses and tailors to make our uniforms and clothing for many of the children. Your gift will help us provide for this.
Library/Media Center - We are hoping to build, staff and supply a library and media center at the Hope for Haiti Children's Center. This library will provide recreational reading, research materials and educational books for the school and possibly the community. Our goal is to provide these resources and media in English, Creole and French.
New Shoes - Our children are always in need of new shoes. Because of the terrain and dirt roads and trash that the children must walk through constantly, we must purchase new shoes for the children nearly every two months. We also love being able to provide much needed shoes to the other children in our community. Your gift helps put shoes on their feet!
Creole Bibles - the Haitian people love God's Word and we love to give them new Bibles. Your gift helps us to purchase Creole and French Bibles to give them.
Staffing - One of our biggest needs in Haiti is more qualified missionaries and staff. If you or someone you know would like to be considered for a position on our staff in Haiti, please contact us.
Our most immediate staffing needs:
• School Director
• Field Operations Director
• House parents for boys' homes (married couple and/or men)
• Male missionaries – As our boys get older, we are increasingly aware of the need for male mentors and to provide them with godly examples of what it is to be a man. We view this as a critical need at this time.
• Handyman missionary (repairs and facilities upkeep)
• Construction teams
• Mechanics for maintenance of vehicles and generators
• Pre-school teacher for orphans
• Vocational/trade Instructors
• Men’s discipleship teachers to work in church with local men
• Full-time medical staff
• Won by One program director
• Hope Works mission team leader
• Bookkeeper/accountant missionary for field operations
• Cook
• Electrician/plumber
• Music teacher
• Sports director
• Art teacher
If you would like to meet one or more of the above listed needs through your contribution, please note it in the comment box of your donation page and we will see that your gift goes directly to meeting that specific need.
If you have a Gifts in Kind contribution of goods or services you would like to donate, please contact us through our contact page and let us know in the comment box. Someone from our office will contact you right away.
