Several weeks ago, the director from the government orphanage/boarding school of Vascauti, Mr. Tudor, contacted the LSM office in Chisinau.  In an agitated and desperate tone he said  they only have enough coal left for exactly two weeks but it was just in the middle of the winter season.  This was the year they were scheduled to have a new gas heating system installed but since the cost was high and they didn’t have sufficient funds to pay for the entire system, the work was unfinished.  Now there were facing winter with no heating system and insufficient coal to heat the facility.  The coal they had until this point was left over from last year. The budget for this year did not allow for purchasing any coal.  There are 130 children in this facility and the thought that they would remain without heat during the coldest days of the year was not an option.  So, due to the generosity of those who supported the Coal and Wood Project this year, LSM was able to answer this call with a delivery of coal.  When the coal was unloaded, the director said, “Thank you for this help.  Now I can be at ease knowing the children will be warm.   The greatest joy could be seen on the faces of the children and the staff as they saw the coal delivered on the school grounds.  These last few days when we anxiously watched the weather and the forecast called for snow and a temperatures of -18 degrees Celsius (approx 0 degrees Fahrenheit) I literally felt ill thinking of what could happen and knowing how much coal we had left.  We thank you LSM for always coming to help us when we are at a critical point and in most desperate need.”

Eduard 5th grade: “I had a mother and father, but both drowned and so I lived with my grandmother for a while but since she was unable to care for me, I came to live at the state orphanage.  Here I have warm food, I go to school, and I am warm at night.  When my parents died, I was scared and I didn’t know what the future would hold but here at the orphanage I found a new family.  I get along well with my teachers and the Director takes care of all of us and the kind folks from LSM also take care of us with the aid they give provide just like parents would.  Recently we were worried about using up all our coal for the winter but then we saw a truck from LSM arriving to unload more coal. Thank you to all those who care for us.”

Maria 7th grade:  “Finally we will be warm and wont have to save hot water when we take a shower.  Now we will be able to use hot water in the bathrooms more frequently. Thank you!”

Peter 7th grade: “When I heard that the coal was running out, I was worried and expected that we would all have to huddle into one room to stay warm.  I was so happy when I saw the LSM truck pull into the orphanage loaded with coal.  This meant that we would all be able to sleep in our own beds and less crowded.  Thank you!”

Adela 6th grade: “I am very sensitive to cold weather.  When I’m cold, I get an allergic reaction on my skin.  That’s why in the winter I spend most of my time in the classroom or in my room where it is not as cold as outdoors.  Thank you LSM for the coal.  You have brought warmth to our school and rooms.  You warm our hearts and souls every time you come to visit us bringing exactly the items we need most.  Thank you!”

Ion 6th grade: “I come from a very poor family.  We couldn’t afford wood or coal for heat so I would sleep with a bottle of hot water.  When I heard that the coal was running out here at the orphanage, I became very worried.  Thankfully, LSM came to with a truck full of coal.  Thank you!”

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