During the spring of 2005, UCARE volunteers visited and distributed humanitarian aid to six orphanages. While visiting each orphanage, UCARE met with the orphanage director, children and staff to identify their most pressing needs and to discover what UCARE can do to help meet those needs. Three of the six orphanages (Tsyuropinsk, Berdyansk and Ochakiv) identified a critical need for beds. Hence, our "Buy a Bed for a Child" campaign began.

UPDATE: In 2006-7, money was collected to purchase beds for Berdyansk and Ochakiv. We continue to collect money to purchase beds for these orphanages. During our humanitarian aid mission in September 2007 we identified potential additional orphanages which need beds.

For each donation of $ 150 (USD), a bed frame and mattress will be purchased and delivered to one of the selected orphanages.

The beds are sturdy, with a laminate that does not chip and peel easily. Cheaper beds are available; they look nice initially, but fall apart quite quickly. The mattresses on our beds are thick, firm, orthopedic, and the mattress covering is water resistant.  The orphaned children who have been recipients of the beds have reported they are comfortable as well!

1000 beds... That's our goal!

1000 beds means a new bed for each and every child at all of the three orphanages. It may seem ambitious, but how can we offer such a basic gift to one child and not to the next?

It seems obvious that every child deserves a peaceful night's rest. So many things depend upon it: health, learning, the ability to get along well with others. In addition to the developmental benefits they derive, for many orphans, their bed is their private place. Every other space in their world is shared with several hundred other children. Only in their bed are they truly alone.

The beds we hope to replace barely deserve that designation. They are worn, dirty, rickety, and the mattresses are pressed thin from decades of use.

We can make a difference in these children's' lives. Join with us today in providing each of these orphans with a new bed to sleep and, perchance, to dream in.

By helping us purchase a bed....or two, or three. Even by purchasing just part of a bed. Every little bit helps us towards our goal for 1000 beds.

You can mail a check made out to "UCARE Inc." in any amount you desire to the address below:

If you would like to download a brochure and fill out a donation form, you can do so at the link below.

Thank you!