In 2001 before the attacks of 9/11, approximately 4,000 Sudanese Lost Boy and Girl refugees arrived in the United States.  As victims of genocidal (un)civil war which has raged in Southern Sudan for over twenty years, they have spent the majority of their lives in refugee camps of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda.  Since the ages of 3 to 7, the tides of war have forced them to flee as groups of children through the deserts on thousand mile treks.  Most have lost their parents and siblings, having seen them perish or killed before their eyes.  They have survived war, thirst, starvation, and personal loss that has scarred their souls but never beat them.  Now in their early twenties, the Lost Boys and Girls living in the United States embody the hope for their country’s future.  Most are attending college while working several jobs to support their family members left in the camps.  It is their hope that through their education, they will gain the knowledge and means to rebuild their country and save the lives of their loved ones left behind.

1. Medical attention: donated care by physicians, dentists, chiropractors, surgeons, and ophthalmologists. We really need volunteer doctors and dentists on the Peninsula!
2. Funds for medications and doctor’s visits: Most Lost Boys & Girls cannot afford medical insurance.
3. Tutors in basic English and basic Math: especially in Newport News where we have several Sudanese families. The Sudanese mothers have never had the opportunity to learn to read and write or to learn simple addition and subtraction. They need your help! This will enable them to get better jobs and help their children with their homework lessons. The youngest children also need help with their homework since their parents are not able to read and write. You will love working with the mothers and their children.
4. We have several “Lost Babies” who need our help: On the Peninsula there is an 8 mo old baby boy and several toddlers who are still in need of diapers of all sizes. There is a great need for disposable diapers (especially sizes 3-5T) and baby wipes. Gift cards for baby supplies are also greatly appreciated. Donations can also be ordered from www.drugstore.com (or any other venue) and sent directly to Christ Episcopal Church. We will gladly send you a receipt.
5. Full and part-time jobs: We have several Lost Boys and Girls and Sudanese family members in need of good jobs, especially on the Peninsula.
6. Reliable used cars / help with car repairs: Lack of reliable transportation has been one of their main obstacles to attending classes and finding jobs. If you have a used car you would like to donate or sell inexpensively, please contact us! Bicycles have not been much help since riding on high traffic corridors is so dangerous.
7. Driving Lessons: for those who have not had the opportunity to learn to drive. This has kept several from attaining employment and going to school.
8. Working computers & printers: and help setting them up and maintaining them.
9. Cleaning, kitchen, and bath supplies: for their apartments.

There are currently over 40 Lost Boys and Lost Girls on the Southside and the Peninsula. There are also at least 10 large Sudanese families on the Peninsula with children of all ages.

YOU can help the Sudanese gain their education and rebuild their shattered lives and country. Your donations will allow our organization to pay for some of their most urgent needs.

These young Sudanese men and women possess a gentle strength and integrity we have all but forgotten. Their faith and culture have allowed them to endure what we cannot imagine. Their friendship has been my greatest gift. Let it be yours as well.