There’s a movement growing. Everyday in the Western world someone’s eyes are opened to the orphan crisis that’s ravaging the developing countries. The problem seems so large and we seem so insignificant. We can make a difference though. By raising awareness we foster a community and as a community we can provide. We’re asking you to help us in creating that community.

World AIDS Orphan Day is May 7th. The AHOPE Store has developed a 2009 t-shirt to commemorate this day and the community of supporters that are growing year after year. Please join us in raising awareness. It’s simple. Wear your shirt as often as possible, and especially on World AIDS Orphan Day. It will serve as a reminder to your community. It may even create a dialogue. That dialogue could open someone’s eyes. You might inspire them to do more, give more. We are asking you to join us in creating a community that is committed to orphan care.

After seeing what one little t-shirt can you might be inspired yourself. If that’s the case be sure to check out the World AIDS Orphan Day website. Here you can find further information on this grassroots campaign and how to organize an event in your area. The campaign was founded by FXB International in 2002 and continues to grow year after year.

The new t-shirts images, designed by 13-year-old Isaiah, are shown below:

T-Shirts for the Children

On November 10th a box full of AHOPE t-shirts left the US and headed to Addis Ababa. These shirts were made specifically for the children of AHOPE. This was made possible through your support of the AHOPE Store.



The t-shirts were a big hit! To the children, AHOPE is their family. They have a strong sense of pride in the AHOPE name and receiving these shirts was such a joy to them. In a world where HIV has such a stigma, it is wonderful to know that these kids have so much pride in who they are and where they come from. In my opinion, this is what makes AHOPE such a special place. It’s something that these kids wear their identity with such confidence.

Lining up to receiving their shirts at "big" AHOPE

The kids of "big" AHOPE showing off their shirts

Joy!

Thank you very much for your continued support of the AHOPE Store. While a vast majority of the funds go to provide the essentials to the children at AHOPE, it’s wonderful to be able to do something like this, simply for the purpose of happiness.

As I said, the t-shirts were such a big hit that the AHOPE staff wanted their own! In 2009 we plan on providing t-shirts to the entire staff. These dedicated individuals deserve to boldly display their pride and commitment as well.

AHOPE Store Sneek Peak

Check out the AHOPE Store It just gets better and better. We are now offering Hoodies, Holiday cards, and Handcrafted Sterling Silver jewelry. Some of the items haven't been officially launched yet, but they are available. It's not too early to shop for the holidays!

If you are a sponsor, adoptive family, or a friend of AHOPE, you will be interested to know that the Sterling Silver pendants and key chains can be personalized on the back for no additional charge. A name, date, or up to five words can be added. They are fabulous!

We'll make an announcement about our new items on the AHOPE Yahoo group soon, but if you happened to stop by the blog, you got the special sneek peak.


~Lisa

AHOPE Store Items!

We are very excited about the AHOPE Store which benefits the children of AHOPE. Sales of T-Shirts and Bracelets are going strong. Thank you for your support. Hoodies, Long Sleeve T-Shirts, Specialty sterling silver jewelry, AHOPE Coffee, and Holiday Cards are now available!

Here are photos of some of our items:

Stainless Steel Bracelets which feature an AHOPE child's name, the AHOPE for Children logo, and the Amharic word for Hope. $10.00 each.

Honor a special child at AHOPE by commissioning a set of bracelets with his or her name. Memorial bracelets are also available to remember AHOPE children who have passed away.

The following items can also be ordered on our new AHOPE Store site, which is still under construction. Please check back often to see new items that are being added. Don't forget that it isn't too early to begin shopping for the holidays!

www.ahopestore.org

Youth Hoodie in Black $19.50. Adult Hoodies are also available.

Contemporary-Fit Unisex T-shirts in Espresso $20.00

Contemporary-Fit Ladies T-shirt in Clean Denim and Contemporary- Fit Unisex T-Shirt in Espresso (Black and White also available) $20.00

Youth T-shirts in Violet and Pink (Black and Natural also available) $10.00

Toddler T-Shirt in Black (Light Blue and Pink also available) $10.00

Infant One-Piece With Shoulder Snaps in Pink (Light Blue and White also available) $10.00

Thank you for stopping by the AHOPE for Children blog.

~Lisa

AHOPE Bracelets

The AHOPE bracelets have arrived and they look great. The bracelets are to honor and remember a child at AHOPE. The include the AHOPE logo, the name of a child currently residing at AHOPE, and the Amharic symbols spelling "hope."

If you would like to receive a bracelet please send an email to ahopestore@gmail.com indicating the quantity desire along with your mailing address. We will then invoice you for a $10 donation per bracelets.

**Proceeds go to support the children of AHOPE**

T-shirt raffle

Our next AHOPE raffle is for an AHOPE t-shirt. One dollar buys you a chance to win a shirt. This raffle ends on September 12th. Please consider donating just $1 to support AHOPE. Thank you!

Please go here to donate:

Ethiopian Drum Raffle

This gorgeous Ethiopian drum was donated to us by Laura Dergel on her recent trip to Addis Ababa. For every dollar you donate to AHOPE for Children between now and the end of the month, you will receive an entry in the raffle for this drum. The drawing will be held on September 1st.



You can make your donation through our Facebook Cause (a minimum $10 donation is required by Facebook) or by clicking on the PayPal link below.

Let's set a goal of $250!