How to Donate Supplies to Foreign Orphanages

Around the world, millions of children live without the love or support of a family. Orphanages are crowded with children and survive on a less than ideal budget. Citizens of more affluent countries can provide a great deal of support to these orphanages. Learn how to find legitimate organizations to support children in these institutions.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide how to donate. Most organizations prefer cash donations. The dollar you donate is used to purchase supplies. However, a few organizations take donations of clothing, food or household goods. If time and money are not constraints, a visit to an orphanage is a great way to “donate.”
2. Learn about donation drives or programs. Most efforts to collect physical donations are made by small organizations. Many parents who have adopted internationally want to give back to the orphanages where their children once lived, so this is a good place to learn about efforts. Do an internet search for "orphanage donations" to learn about some of these programs.
3. Donate cash. Many great programs feel it is a better use to use cash to purchase items from the local economy. Diapers, formula, and clothing often can be purchased more affordably locally. This saves money on the item and saves transportation costs, as well.
4. Another way to donate, is to spend time at an orphanage. Learn about volunteer opportunities at internet sites such as Idealist. Pack a limited amount of clothing for the trip and use the extra suitcase space to pack donations.
5. Support the organization of your choice. Even if you have only a few dollars to donate, it will make a difference in the life of a child who needs hope.