ShareThisWoodstock residents Dana and Debbie Schroeder have a unique mission. Sharing a passion for the orphans of Debbie’s home country, they have started a nonprofit foundation to raise funds to build and operate orphanages in the Philippines. There are approximately 1.8 million orphans throughout the country and their goal is to reach as many as possible, not only to improve their present quality of life, but to give them hope for their futures.
Having grown up in the Philippines, Debbie is all too familiar with the tragic plight of the street kids and orphans, even in her home town of Manaoag. Dana, having been to the Philippines four times, has witnessed firsthand the desperation of kids running up to him asking for food and money. He states, “Seeing the need on TV is one thing, but to experience the kids running up to you for help is quite another. It’s heartbreaking. We felt called by God to do something.”
So they founded the Philippines Orphanage Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, dedicated to reaching as many orphans as possible. Their calling goes beyond just sending money, but to actually build the orphanage facility and be responsible for its operation. He adds, “It’s a great thing to send money to these kinds of causes, but we feel called to get our hands dirty and build something for these kids and then stick by their sides for the duration. We want to be involved in their day-to-day lives not only providing shelter and food, but ongoing love and support.”
They are presently in the process of raising $60,000 which is enough to finish their first orphanage project. This facility will be home to approximately 20-24 kids at first. “We are asking churches, businesses and individuals to give as they feel led. Every penny goes to the orphans as the Foundation has no overhead. Any amount given will truly make a huge difference in the lives of these precious orphans.”
Being a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation means all contributions to their Foundation are tax deductible. If you would like to contribute toward this meaningful cause or would like more information, please feel free to call 404-987-9273 or visit their website at www.filipino-orphans.org. You can also visit them on Facebook by searching Philippines Orphanage Foundation.