This month, our team returned to Lac Thien Orphanage to deliver essential supplies and complete some much-needed utility repairs. By coordinating directly with the staff, we were able to focus our efforts on the most pressing requirements for the facility and the children this season.
Our volunteers arrived with a van fully stocked with pantry staples and hygiene essentials. We were grateful for the help of the younger children, who joined us in the courtyard to help organize and stack the incoming supplies.
This delivery included:
- Nutrition & Pantry: Large bags of rice, cooking oil, shrimp noodles, sugar, milk, and vegetarian seasonings.
- Health & Hygiene: Bird’s nest drinks, toothpaste, soap, and washing powder.
- Special Treats: Individual yogurt drinks for all the children to enjoy during the visit.
Beyond the daily essentials, we addressed a significant request from the caretakers regarding the facility’s infrastructure. To ensure consistent access to hot water and functional plumbing, we provided and helped coordinate the installation of:
- A new industrial water heater.
- A submersible pump.
- Necessary cables, hoses, and wiring for the system.
Seeing the immediate impact of these improvements—and the smiles during our yogurt snack break—reminds us of the importance of this ongoing work. These practical upgrades and monthly provisions are only possible because of the steady support of our donor community.
This effort was made possible through the kind donations from Dan, Van, and Devin Haynes, Shaun Minn, and an anonymous donor. Thank you!!
ABOUT THE LAC THIEN ORPHANAGE
Founded in 2006, the Lac Thien Orphanage is part of the Phat Buu pagoda and lies north of Nha Trang in Ninh Hoa district. The orphanage’s origins are endearing. On a peaceful day, a baby was left at the gates of the pagoda. The nuns cared for him, and from that day on they have taken in orphan children from the area. The orphanage is run by the nuns of the pagoda and its head nun, Chon Minh. They rely entirely upon donations, most of which come from people in the community. There are about 30 children at the orphanage, from newborns to teenagers, and Lac Thien also takes in elderly whose family cannot care for them.
