This June, our hearts were full as we returned to the Song Lo Orphanage, bringing essential supplies, nutritious food, and a whole lot of joy to the children.
To ensure we brought exactly what the home needed, we worked closely with the caretakers to build a detailed grocery list. Our incredible volunteers took to the local markets, packed a van to the brim, and headed out to see the kids!
A Team Effort
The excitement was palpable the moment we arrived. The children eagerly jumped in to help our team unpack, lining the common room floor with an abundance of supplies. Thanks to our community, we were able to stock their pantry with:
- Pantry Staples: Dried tofu, vegetarian fish sauce, sausages, shiitake mushrooms, peanut butter, packaged meats, and tapioca starch.
- Cooking Essentials: Cooking oil, mushroom oil, sugar, chili sauce, bean sprouts, seaweed, and mixed vegetables.
- Quick Meals: Packages of noodles and instant pho.
- Hygiene & Care: Shampoo, toothpaste, saline spray, wet wipes, toiletries, bathroom supplies, and laundry detergent.
Sweet Treats and Sunny Smiles
With the hard work out of the way, it was time for some fun! We handed out chocolate-covered ice cream popsicles, which brought out instant, glowing smiles. The courtyard quickly turned into a playground as the children challenged each other to a high-energy game of tug-of-war, while our team spent some peaceful, quality time connecting with the nuns.
Thank You! This beautiful day of nourishment and laughter was only possible because of the kindness of our donors: Shaun Minn, Linh Lam, Thao Devine, Elaine Nguyen, Jef O’Riley, and an anonymous donor. Your generosity keeps these children healthy, happy, and thriving.
ABOUT THE SONG LO ORPHANAGE
The history of the Song Lo Orphanage’s beginnings is heartwarming. As the story goes, a Buddhist monk was traveling in the countryside when he encountered a woman who said she could not care for her 2 children. She left the babies with the monk and fled. Not expecting to have 2 babies to care for, the monk made his way to the Song Lo pagoda, and the head nun at the pagoda, Sister Cat, agreed to care for the children. From that point on, orphans have been either brought to the pagoda, or abandoned at their gates. Formed in 2012, the Song Lo Orphanage cares for a small group of young children. Located adjacent the Son Lo pagoda, it’s a small facility deep in the countryside west of Nha Trang.
