December's Featured Charity~BaanGerda ~Words with Michelle~

This is such a special cause for all of us at Wendy Culpepper Jewelry, and one that we hope to offer significant support to. Baan Gerda began as a hospice operation for children, mostly orphans, in the advanced stages of AIDS. They provided comfort, and a loving family environment for what remained of these children's lives. After gaining financial support from donors, coupled with the availability of treatment and medicine, Baan Gerda has morphed into a village...one that is full of children who are living with this disease.

"BaanGerda is the only place in Thailand that offers a family environment for the care of HIV orphans. We have 71 children being raised in 7 families, each with their own home. The foster parents are all HIV+, and care for the children as they would their own. This allows them to give the love and support needed and to develop strong bonds that can't be found in state orphanages."

As of now, there are 71 children living at Baan Gerda, and all attend a nearby school, with prospects for the future. They have homes, families, and the medical care needed to thrive and grow. Please join us in supporting this organization, and the ongoing care of these children.

For more information, please visit: http://www.baangerda.org/