I was prepared to write a lively, cheerful post about Christmas shopping for Bonnie and Clyde. However, my heart isn’t in it. My mind keeps going back to Russia. I can’t stop thinking about those children who don’t have families. I read this touching post by Suzanne this morning, and it reminded me that we never know what’s going on in the mind of a child. The feeling of security is completely foreign to a child living in an orphanage.

This Christmas, my concern is for the orphans of Russia and their basic needs, such as nutrition and medical care. But the thing that really breaks my heart is that I know their other needs, too. They need to be loved. They need to be touched. They need to feel secure. They need to know they’re not disposable.

These are things that I take for granted every day, and yet, its something that most of these children have never known. Since my children are from Russia, I will probably always think of the Russian orphans during the holidays.

So, with that in mind, here’s a few ways to incorporate Christmas shopping while donating to Russian orphans this year:

Ark Angels has a store offering cookbooks, Christmas ornaments, and bracelets. All proceeds will be donated to improve the lives of children living in orphanages in Eastern Europe.

Maria’s Children is an Arts Rehabilitation Center for Russian orphans. They offer calendars, artwork, and journals.

Golden Cockerel offers brooches painted by Russian orphans in their “A Hand Up” program. The proceeds are split between the young artists and their orphanage.

ROOF (Russian Orphan Opportunity Fund) is selling T-shirts to benefit their Post-Orphanage Education Centre in Moscow.

Amy and Leon have a fundraiser page to help with the expenses of adopting their little girl from Russia. Pick up some Mary Kay, a magazine subscription, or some stuffed bears. You can also donate $1.00 on her dollar donation site to help her bring her daughter home.

Do you know of other PAPs who have adoption fundraisers, or other charitable organizations that donate to Russian orphans? Leave me a comment!