I'm going to ask you today to take a moment to think about aiding the children in Russia's orphanages.

Why? Well, I got a note yesterday from the agency that helped me in both of my adoptions from Russia, and it made the reasons quite clear.

Because fewer children are being adopted from Russia now, there are more of them in the orphanages. Those of you who have been to Russia's orphanages in the past know how their resources were often stretched thin. Imagine how much farther they have to go now.

But it's not just that there are more mouths to feed and bodies to clothe. When prospective parents travel, they often bring with them over-the-counter-medicines, clothes, and toys. But Russia adoptions have fallen by about one third in recent years, so there has been a corresponding drop in parents traveling and supplies coming in.

What can you do? I've written about a few philanthropic groups with projects in Russia in the last few months since I took over this blog (and I continue to hope you'll alert me to others). Maybe Buckner International Adoption's shoe and sock drives struck you as a worthy cause, or iOrphan's Internet-based fundraising efforts. Maybe you were drawn to ArkAngels For Russian Orphans or the OrphanAct program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kihei-Wailea in Hawaii. Maybe your agency or former adoption agency has called for an extra effort on the part of its families now. The World Association For Children & Parents, for example, has just set up an emergency Russian orphan fund to raise money for not only basic necessities, but school supplies, books, games and sports equipment.

I noted yesterday that, in his annual address to the Russian Federal Assembly, President Vladimir Putin had some kind words for NGOs and charitable efforts in Russia. Let's give him a reason to say good things about charity again next year.