Because every child, no matter how humble her beginnings, deserves loving care, and a chance at a bright future.

LiuShan-Love for Babies

HTS Field Supervisor, Liu Shan (above right):
I started working for Half the Sky as a nanny at the Xinyang Social Welfare Institution.  Then I became the Nanny Supervisor.  Last year I became an Infant Nurture Field Supervisor and travel all over for Half the Sky.. I loved working as a nanny because I spent so much time with the babies. But my job as a field supervisor is also gratifying....

China's Spring Festival Storms — THANK YOU! .

On Wednesday, February 26, Half the Sky executive director, Jenny Bowen met with Vice Minister Dou YouPei of the Ministry of Civil Affairs; his responsibility is child welfare. Minister Dou thanked everyone who contributed to the Little Mouse Emergency Fund for our quick response and extraordinary generosity. Jenny assured the Minister that this was proof that people all over the world love China's orphaned children very, very much.

Miinister Dou fully agreed with Half the Sky's suggestion that the surplus 2 Million yuan raised for the disaster be used to cover the costs of emergency preparedness kits for children's orphanages across the country. The government will fully support the idea that ministry staff working with HTS should develop the provisions list and begin communications with all institutions to help them create the kits so that they might be better prepared for future disasters.

On behalf of the many thousands of children whom you helped to keep safe and warm during China's weather crisis, THANK YOU! Half the Sky is honored to have been in a position to get emergency aid to the welfare institutions below (a few are still not listed.) Thanks to your astounding generosity, the Little Mouse Emergency Fund received gifts totalling almost 5 Million Yuan RMB or US$700,000! Approximately US $425,000 has been committed to the 98 welfare institutions listed below. The balance is being used to help welfare institutions establish a store of emergency provisions so that this never happens again.

ORPHANAGES RECEIVING EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE :
Anyuan County SWI, Jiangxi - This institution houses 42 children and needs 42 sets of winter clothes, quilts and quilt covers as well as 5 space heaters and 2 large heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 27,620 yuan.

Cenxi, Guangxi - request 50 sets of winter clothes, 45 quilts, 25 hand heaters, 40 space heaters and 15 infant quilts. FINAL NEEDS: 16,725 yuan.

Changning CWI, Hunan - For 33 children, they request 76 sets of winter clothing, 15 pairs of winter shoes, 3 heater/AC and 1 washing machine. FINAL NEEDS: 20,780.

Changzhou CWI, Jiangsu – suffered the largest snowfall in Jiangsu Province.
Several buildings have collapsed.  But the institution rushed to prepare for the cold and the children are fine. UPDATE: The orphanage now reports they are running out of diapers and need 750 diapers per day for an estimated 10 days. FINAL NEEDS: 15,000 yuan.

Changyu SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, heaters, washing machine and a disinfecting cabinet. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population: 33. FINAL NEEDS: under review

Changsha #2 SWI, Hunan - for 24 children, they request partial cost of generator and two oil heaters. FINAL NEEDS: 22,800 yuan.

Chengdu, Sichuan – Chengdu, Sichuan – is experiencing the coldest winter in memory.  They need a large room heater, diapers, shoes, socks and winter jackets.  UPDATE: Chengdu repeats their request for a large heater and disposable diapers. They also request 80 warm quilts. FINAL NEEDS: 26,000 yuan.

Chenzhou CWI, Hunan – still facing the most difficulties of the orphanages we’ve reached.  They’ve had no electricity or running water for 8 days and there is almost no possibility that power will be restored before New Year’s Eve (the 6th of February.)  Because of the blackout, the hospital is closed.  20 children are ill and being cared for by institution staff as well as they can.  The banks are closed so staff is contributing personal funds to buy food, coal and diapers.  Prices are skyrocketing as all roads to Chenzhou remain impassable. UPDATE: The largest hotel in Chenzhou is running on one emergency generator and townsfolk who’ve been without power for days have filled all rooms and lobbies.  There are very few places in town with even emergency power now.  Hopes are to get some electricity by next weekend. UPDATE: The 20 sick children are being cared for by doctors from the local hospital (which is closed.) They are receiving IV's and medicine. Shi assures us that the children will be fine and that they will recover. They will feed the children and keep them warm no matter what. There is still no power. Families in Chenzhou are now rationed and can only buy 4 packages of noodles per family. The Civil Affairs Bureau delivered 3 sacks of rice to the institution. The are using candles but the cost per candle has gone from 20 cents to 5 yuan per candle. They are using coal to keep warm but the price of coal is skyrocketing. Two old people at the institution died. There are 800,000 migrant workers trapped in town that can't get out to see their families for Spring Festival. They expect another heavy snow tomorrow. We are in daily touch with the orphanage.  They know that everyone is thinking of them and determined to get them the help they need. UPDATE: HTS has a team on its way to Chenzhou with supplies and money. Total funds requested to date: 150,000 yuan; total child population: 186. UPDATE: HTS is working in Chenzhou. The situation is fairly stabilized. Full report will follow soon. UPDATE: Power may be restored late Thursday night; it is not yet certain. The children are doing better. Almost all of the children who fell ill have improved. One newborn who was severely ill and for whom the hospital partially re-opened is now stable and has come home to the orphanage. UPDATE: You can now read the story of HTS' journey to help the children in Chenzhou. UPDATE: Purchased locally: 81,953 yuan + goods carried in: 50,000 yuan = FINAL NEEDS: 131,953 yuan.

Chibi SWI, Hubei - It snowed for over one month; heavy snow damaged the roof of the children's rooms, causing roof tiles to fall and break, also damaging a children's play structure. They request funds for repairs as well as funds to purchase winter clothing and diapers, a large heater/AC and a hot water heater. FINAL NEEDS: 15,350 yuan.

Chongqing CWI – warm and well, despite the terrible cold. UPDATE: Temperatures continue to drop - request warm blankets and floor mats.

Chongren County SWI, Jiangxi - requests 50 sets of winter clothes and a generator to take care of 32 children. FINAL NEEDS: 29,999 yuan.

Chuzhou SWI, Anhui -  has both water and power.  Only public transportation has failed. HTS nannies and teachers are walking to work.  They are leaving home extra early to be there for the children. UPDATE: Reports that their industrial clothes dryer broke down two days ago. They've tried to repair but it is still not working and they have no way to dry clothes and diapers in the cold. They ask for purchase of a new industrial dryer and for a 10 day supply of disposable diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 28,000 yuan.

Dao County SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts disposable diapers, heaters, a dryer and medical assistance. Estimated cost: 80,000 yuan; total child population: 32 (social welfare institutions house elderly also) FINAL NEEDS: 45,164 yuan.

Dapu County SWI, Guangdong - Houses 95, 26 children, the rest elderly. They request 25 blankets, 25 sets of winter clothing, disposable diapers and 10 space heaters. FINAL NEEDS: 13,000 yuan.

Desheng SWI, Guangxi - needs winter clothes, quilts, disposable diapers and room heaters. Funds requested: 25,400 yuan, under review.

Deyang Jingyang District SWI, Sichuan - Requests disposable diapers, 60 blankets 40 sets of winter clothing and 4 large heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 29,000 yuan.

Enshi SWI, Hubei - heavy snow, roads still snow-covered, terribly cold. They request 3 large room heaters to help them care for 39 children. FINAL NEEDS: 20,000 yuan.

Feidong County SWI, Hefei, Anhui - requests diapers and winter clothing. FINAL NEEDS: 8,872 yuan.

Fenyi County SWI, Jiangxi - for 38 children, this institution requests 5 space heaters, 50 quilts and 50 sets of winter clothing. FINAL NEEDS: 11,100 yuan.

Fuzhou CWI, Jiangxi -  lost power for a few days but now it is back to normal.
 The snow stopped a couple of days ago but now is falling again. The directors and HTS staff have gathered all the children into one big room to keep them warm.  They’ve bought New Years clothes for the children and will have a party no matter how bad the weather.  This year, however, the foster parents will stay home to keep the children safe. The institution has enough food and water.  They want us to focus on those in more serious trouble and ask us please not to worry. UPDATE: They ask that, if there are funds available, they might purchase 8 large heater/AC units. FINAL NEEDS: 52,000 yuan.

Gaoyou SWI, Jiangsu – Despite incredibly heavy snow, the children are warm and well. UPDATE: Some of the children in the Family Village have caught cold. The Family Village supervisors is working with the families to care for the children. HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 513 yuan per family = 3078 yuan as well as 1800 yuan to cover the costs of New Year food for each of the Family Village apartments. FINAL NEEDS: 4,878 yuan.

Guangshi, Hubei - needs 80 sets of winter clothes and 100 quilts, diapers and a large heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 19,076 yuan.

Guangzhou SWI, Guangdong – This city is truly unaccustomed to cold and it is getting more difficult to find necessities to keep children warm.  They ask for 30 space heaters and warm bedding.

Guilin SWI, Guangxi -  has two broken HTS heater/air conditioners in the Infant Nurture rooms and they’ve asked us to replace.  The rooms are very, very cold. They ask for more soft matting for the floors and also snow boots for our HTS nannies who’ve been slipping and falling in the ice and snow as they come to work.  They are so ill-equipped to handle severe weather. UPDATE: Also need disposable diapers, coal and winter quilts. Funds requested: 24000 yuan. UPDATE: The icy rain continues for more than one month. They are having problems with electricity and can't keep their dryer working. They ask for 1/2 the cost of a generator in addition to the items above. FINAL NEEDS: 37,000 yuan.

Guiyang CWI, Guizhou – has seen ice, snow and now sleety rain.  They need disposable diapers and some help buying food. UPDATE: Power is intermittent. They repeat the request for diapers and now understand that HTS has okayed the purchase. UPDATE: Further request for electric heaters. FINAL NEEDS: 19,200 yuan.

Haikou CWI, Haikou – Even sunny Hainan Island is experiencing a chill.  The orphanage request a clothes dryer to keep the children in clean warm clothes, 20 heating lamps, 120 sets of winter clothing for 60 children, and a 10 day supply of disposable diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 28,000 yuan.

Hangzhou CWI, Zhejiang - Because of snow, they've been unable to get vegetables for several days. They request a subsidy to purchase food at higher prices and also ask for disposable diapers. UPDATE: Additional request for space heaters and winter clothes. Total funds requested: 26,000 yuan. UPDATE: no longer needs help.

Hefei CWI, Anhui – reports that they have everything under control and the children are warm and well-fed. UPDATE: The orphanage now realizes they will soon run out of disposable diapers. They ask for 10,000 yuan to purchase 7,500 diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 10,000 yuan.

Hengdong County SWI, Hunan - has 8 children, moving to a new building in April and have no storm-related needs.

Hengnan County SWI, Hunan - for 28 children they request one heater/AC and 2 washing machines to replace one that is old and broken. FINAL NEEDS: 6,200 yuan.

Hengshan County CWI, Hunan - need heaters, washing machine, medical assistance. Estimated cost: 40,000 yuan; total child population 9 UPDATE: request for 7 heaters. FINAL NEEDS: 19,480 yuan.

Hengyang County SWI, Hunan - need 6 heaters, food, diapers, quilts, water heater. FINAL NEEDS: 62,900 yuan.

Huaihua SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, heaters and a washing machine. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population: 20. (social welfare institutions house elderly also) UPDATE: Request 50 sets of winter clothes, charcoal for heat and 3 heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 34,910 yuan.

Huaihua Hechen District SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, diapers, heaters, medical assistance. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population: 35 (social welfare institutions house elderly also) FINAL NEEDS: 25,000 yuan.

Huanggang SWI, Hubei - Their building is damaged and estimated cost to repair is 50-60,000 yuan. They will request help from the government and ask if we can provide funds to purchase two large room heaters, hot water bags, 2 electric fans, and 70 quilts. FINAL NEEDS: 32,832 yuan.

Huangmei SWI, Hubei - Requests help to replace a broken boiler and a large room heater/AC as well as 25 sets of winter clothing, blankets and disposable diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 19,250 yuan.

Huangshi CWI, Hubei – is in desperate need of disposable diapers. They ask for funds to purchase since goods can’t be sent to them right now.  All heater/air conditioners have stopped functioning.  They need quilts and warm clothes for the children.  Several HTS nannies have fallen on the ice on their way to work and they need medicine to treat cuts and bruises. UPDATE: Purchased 100 sets of winter quilts, 84 sets of winter clothes, a large supply of disposable diapers and one large heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 19,076 yuan.

Huishui, Guizhou - has 37 children and requests disposable diapers, 40 quilts and winter coats and milk powder. FINAL NEEDS: 8,940 yuan.

Jingdezhen SWI, Jiangxi - Requests 100 sets of winter clothes and quilts for 98 children, 10 space heaters, 100 hot water bags and 2 large heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 37,200 yuan.

Jingmen SWI - Hubei - For 5 older children and 25 infants, requests a large heater/AC, a hot water heater, 5 hair dryers 5 winter quilts, 5 sets of winter clothes and diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 14,150 yuan.

Jingyang County SWI, Deyang, Sichuan - requests 60 blankets, 40 sets of winter clothes 4 heaters and diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 29,000.

Jizhou District SWI, Xuichuan County, Jiangxi - Requests an emergency generator, winter clothing and quilts. Total children: 109. FINAL NEEDS: 42,200 yuan.

Jiujiang SWI, Jiangxi – had another heavy snow storm last night.  Pipes have burst and the five boilers are broken.  They are unable to bathe the children and are having trouble keeping them warm.  They need quilts, bedding, warm shoes and space heaters. They need medicine for infant coughs and colds. UPDATE: Jiujiang requests a heater, 100 sets of winter clothing (for 50 children) and 5 heater/ air conditioners. FINAL NEEDS: 52,000 yuan. Total request: 52,000 yuan.

Kaili City, Guizhou - Five county level SWI under Kaili City administration have urgent needs to care for a combined population of 106 children under 11 years: Sankshu, Yatang, Wangchao, Tanghai and Wanshui. They need winter clothing, quilts, blankets and heaters. FINAL NEEDS: 59,220 yuan.

Lanshan, Hunan - For 10 children, request winter clothing, shoes, caps, socks, gloves, scarves, hats, quilts, hot water bags, bedding and a small stove. FINAL NEEDS: 4060 yuan.

Le'An SWI, Jiangxi - 11 children, needs under review.

Leping SWI, Jiangxi - For 87 children, they request 80 sets of winter clothes, 80 quilts, 10 space heaters, 80 hot water bags and 2 large heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 32,600 yuan.

Lianyungang CWI, Jiangsu – is doing the best they can despite the lowest temperatures in history.  While they still insist we help others first, they do request winter jackets for the children, warm mats to cover the floor and bottles for babies with cleft lip/palate.  The last item we’ll have to ship from Beijing as soon as we are able. UPDATE: Lianyungang bought a covered cargo tricycle for each of the Family Village families to keep the children protected on their way to school. They also bought winter quilts and jackets for the Family Village. UPDATE: HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 495 yuan per family = 3960 yuan along with 36,600 yuan to purchase 100 sets of winter clothing, 100 quilts, 100 blankets and two heater/air conditioners. FINAL NEEDS: 50,384 yuan.

Linchuan District SWI, Jiangxi - requests 6 space heaters, 70 quilts and one generator (HTS to pay 1/2) to help them care for 62 children. FINAL NEEDS: 35,320 yuan.

Linxiang SWI, Hunan - This small county institution that cares for 40 children, most of them infants with special needs, suffered great damage to their 3-story children's building. The whole roof leaked and soaked the entire interior. They have moved the chidren into temporary foster care while repairs are being made but, while the local government can pay most of the costs of repairs, they request a subsidy for 23 foster families for three months as well as funds to purchase 5 heater/air conditioners for the repaired building. FINAL NEEDS: 69,200 yuan.

Liuzhou CWI, Guangxi - requests disposable diapers, winter clothes, quilts and electric heaters. Total funds requested: 18,480 yuan. UPDATE: 350 children - 79 in foster care, the balance in CWI. FINAL NEEDS: 19,500 yuan.

Loudi SWI, Hunan - need winter shoes, emergency lighting, heaters and a disinfecting cabinet. Estimated cost: 100,000 yuan; total child population: 86. FINAL NEEDS: 50,140 yuan.

Lu'An SWI, Anhui - cares for 170 children, 50 of whom live in the institution, the rest in foster care. They request a large room heater/AC and 50 sets of winter clothing. FINAL NEEDS: 12,000 yuan.

Luodian, Guizhou - had more than two weeks without power and the road was closed. They request 30 sets of winter clothing, socks, shoes, diapers, milk powder, rice powder, and sugar. FINAL NEEDS: 10,653 yuan.

Maoming CWI, Guangdong - This is the coldest, wettest winter in memory, but they have warm clothing and electricity.  They ask for warm floor mats, 12 space heaters, warm blankets and some help purchasing food. UPDATE: They request 43,680 yuan to purchase 200 Army-grade quilts, 38 space heaters, warm matting for floors, 130 sets of winter clothes, 300 pairs wool socks, 300 pairs gloves and 17 hair dryers. FINAL NEEDS: 40,430 yuan.

Maonan District CWI, Maoming, Guangdong – In the sunny south, they have never seen this kind of cold and damp weather before.  It’s been a month with another month in the forecast.  They need space heaters.  Local citizens have donated warm clothes and blankets for the children. FINAL NEEDS: 26,000 yuan.

Nanchang CWI, Jiangxi – asks for warm floor mats and disposable diapers.  They need a working room heater.  Their electrical supply has been sporadic and with only a small generator, they’re not confident they can continue to provide heat to keep the children warm. UPDATE: Their boiler for hot water supply has broken down. They ask for funds to purchase a new solar water heater. They also ask for 10,000 disposable diapers, 130 quilts and wool blankets, as well as 150 sets of winter clothing, shoes and wool socks and a subsidy for milk powder and food. FINAL NEEDS: 44,803 yuan.

Nanfeng County SWI, Jiangxi - reports they've been without electricity and water for quite a while, but the weather is improving. They ask for 4 heaters and a generato (1/2 generator request plus heaters-balance will come from local government) FINAL NEEDS: 46,800 yuan

Nanjing CWI, Jiangsu – continues to manage, despite the heavy snows.  They would like 200 children’s blankets but insist that we look after others with greater needs first. UPDATE: HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 513 yuan per family = 3078 yuan as well as 12,000 yuan to purchase 90 quilts and 6 heaters for the Family Village apartments. They also request 20,000 yuan to purchase 100 blankets for the children in the institution. FINAL NEEDS: 35,078 yuan.

Nanning SWI, Guangxi – is experiencing its worst winter in 48 years.  They are doing their best to weather the storm but could use 6 large space heaters,
86 warm quilts for our Family Village and disposable diapers.  Like many places, they are having trouble finding affordable food right now and would appreciate a subsidy to help through this difficult time. FINAL NEEDS: 18,187 yuan.

Ningdu County SWI, Jiangxi - is caring for 62 children and request 2 large space heaters, 70 quilts 10 small space heaters, and a refrigerator. FINAL NEEDS: 25,200 yuan.

Panyu CWI, Guangdong - requests 100 quilts and 100 sets of winter clothes. FINAL NEEDS: 27,000 yuan.

Piangjiang County SWI, Hunan - requests winter clothing, quilts, diapers, heaters and medicine. Estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population 22 (county level social welfare institutions house elderly also) FINAL NEEDS: 41,000.

Pingan County SWI, Hunan - Worst cold ever. To take care of their 38 children, they request 2 room heaters, 76 quilts and 38 sets of winter clothing. FINAL NEEDS:16,000 yuan.

Qichun County SWI, Hubei - requests a large heater/AC, a hot water heater, 5 hair dryers and diapers for 25 children. FINAL NEEDS:13,250 yuan.

Qiandong Nanzhou SWI, Guizhou - Electricity and water supply intermittent. No longer able to buy coal. Government has provided a generator so they have power. They ask for two large room heaters and 100 blankets for the children. FINAL NEEDS: 22,280 yuan.

Qingyuan SWI, Guangdong – Again, the lowest winter in history.  Constant rain.  The children all have colds and sniffles, no matter how many padded layers they wear.  They ask for 7 space heaters and 55 padded jackets. UPDATE: With HTS funds, they have purchased 110 sets of quilts and padded jackets but have been unable to find heaters anywhere in Qingyuan. They are going to try to send someone south to Guangzhou to find heaters. UPDATE: They request 2500 yuan to purchase 8 heaters and 17,600 yuan to purchase 110 sets of winter bedding. FINAL NEEDS:11,884 yuan.

Shangrao SWI, Jiangxi - The roads are blocked due to fallen trees. Very cold. They've been without water and are trying to care for 260 children, 136 of them under 3 years-old. They request 10,000 disposable diapers, 160 winter quilts, 260 sets of warm clothing and a clothes dryer. FINAL NEEDS: 70,000 yuan.

Shaodian, Henan - HTS supports a Family Village here for children orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Due to the heavy snow and bitter cold, the children suffer from chilblains on their hands and feet. Water pipes have frozen and they are now able to get water only a few hours a day. Food costs are rising. Power supply is intermittent. They request heaters and cream for chilblains as well as a subsidy for food. FINAL NEEDS: 66,030 yuan.

Shaoguan CWI, Guangdong – needs disposable diapers for 27 babies.  They need 3 large room heaters and warm mats for the floors. UPDATE: They request 21,500 yuan to purchase 2 large room heater/air conditioners, 25 winter quilts and enough disposable diapers to last 2 weeks. FINAL NEEDS: 22,000 yuan.

Shaoyang CWI, Hunan -has seen heavy snow every day for 20 days. There is sufficient water and, for the moment, there is power, so the children are warm despite daytime temperatures of -3C.However, 5 of 6 power poles have been downed by weather.Only one stands and the institution fears it will fall as well, leaving them without electricity.Much of the rest of the city is already dark. Children and caregivers continue to work and play together.High school students are cramming for exams and trying to ignore the cold. Everyone prays that the power pole will continue to stand.  They request space heaters, warm clothing for 60 children and shoes.for the big kids. UPDATE: They request 23,575 yuan to purchase 15 sets of winter clothing, 65 pairs of winter shoes, 20 heaters and 1500 disposable diapers. Estimated cost: 23,575; total child population: 68. UPDATE: All purchases made and looking forward to a warm and Happy New Year! FINAL NEEDS: 29,244 yuan.

Shicheng County SWI, Jiangxi - For 51 children, they request 2 heater/AC, 2 hot water heaters, 51 quilts, 51 sets of winter clothes, milk powder and diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 31,400 yuan.

Suichuan County SWI, Jiangxi - For 48 children, this SWI requests 10 space heaters, 100 sets of winter clothes and a generator. UPDATE: The SWI is having a hard time rebounding from the damage caused by the crisis. They ask for an additional 20,800 to replace 8 large heater/AC's. FINAL NEEDS: 63.000 yuan.

Tuanfeng County SWI, Hubei - A foster village-type program for 68 children living in apartments inside the institution with house mothers has been supported by the local community since NGO funding ended 7 years ago. They request 10 heater/AC units, one for each family. FINAL NEEDS: 6,150 yuan.

Wuhan CWI, Hubei – is having a very hard time finding affordable food, “even cabbage.”  They ask for food subsidies for the Family Village, 20 space heaters and 50 warm quilts.  Heaters are working but there is no water for bathing.  The local community has offered to take children in for the Chinese New Year and the institution feels this may be the best decision to keep them safe, so their requests are only for the Family Village. UPDATE: With HTS funds, they purchased heavy comforters, space heaters and food for the Family Village. The institution director personally visited each family to ensure that everyone is all right. UPDATE: HTS is sending extra funds for heating the family village apartments for the next month - 513 yuan per family = 5130 yuan. FINAL NEEDS: 121,560 yuan.

Wuxue City SWI, Hubei - for 38 children 0-6, they request winter clothing and underwear, quilts, 28 pairs of shoes, 38 hot water bottles and 4000 diapers. FINAL NEEDS:19,298 yuan.

Wuzhou SWI, Guangxi – is enduring bitter cold.  They need warm mats for the floors, disposable diapers, warm clothes and shoes for the children. UPDATE: They have received some assistance from the local government to buy winter clothes but need a food subsidy for the Family Village families and a 10 day supply of disposable diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 12,500 yuan

Xiajiang County SWI, Jiangxi - To care for 42 children, this SWI requests 5 space heaters, 45 sets of winter clothes and a generator. FINAL NEEDS: 30,100 yuan.

Xiangfan SWI, Hubei - has experienced heavy snows, not wet with low temperatures. Intermittent power. Of 150 children, 70 live in the institution; the rest in foster families. Their dryer is broken; they will submit price for approval. They ask for 5000 yuan to purchase a 10 day supply of disposable diapers. UPDATE: Turns out the dryer they want is simply a hair dryer, to dry the children's hair! FINAL NEEDS: 5,200 yuan.

Xiangtan SWI, Hunan - has had snow for the past 10 days.  The main water pipe is “broken again.”  There is no water for cooking right now but they do have electricity, coal and blankets.  They are still able to buy food but prices have gone way up.  Not all of the HTS nannies can get to work every day.  They are keeping the programs going as well as they can and make sure that at least five nurturing nannies are there with the babies every day, along with the institution’s caregivers. UPDATE: Snow has stopped but it's very cold and wet. They need 3000 diapers and 80 boxes of infant formula and rice powder. Request 8000 yuan.FINAL NEEDS: 7,600 yuan.

Xiangyin County SWI, Hunan - They have received help from the local government but still need winter clothing for their 55 children as well as milk powder and disposable diapers. FINAL NEEDS:14,500 yuan.

Xianning City, Xianan District SWI, Hubei - It's very cold and wet and heavy snow caused the partial collapse of their building. Damage is estimated at 200,000 yuan. They do not ask for that but they request items to care for 87 children, 52 of whom are in foster care. They'd like 10 working heaters and 87 sets of bedding. FINAL NEEDS:46,205 yuan.

Xiantao SWI, Hubei - For 15 children, they request a large heater/AC, a hot water heater, 3 hair dryers and diapers. FINAL NEEDS:12,150 yuan.

Xiaoguan SWI, Hubei - They are not prepared for such cold weather and for 13 children with special needs they need winter clothing and shoes. FINAL NEEDS: 2,340 yuan.

Xinhua County SWI, Hunan - needs winter clothing, quilts, disposable diapers, heaters, a washing machine and medical assistance. Estimated funds: 60,000; total child population: 32 (social welfare institutions house elderly also) FINAL NEEDS: 23,593 yuan.

Xinyang SWI, Henan – is accustomed to the cold and all is well. UPDATE: It seems first information on Xinyang did not come from director of institution. Today's news is not so favorable. It has been snowing since January 10 and temperatures are the lowest in history. Some heaters are broken. The institution has gathered all of the children together in the largest HTS activity room to keep them warm. Due to the weight of ice, the roof has cracked and there are leaks into some of the HTS activity rooms as well as the nurseries. They are installing a "temporary toilet' on the same floor as the big activity room so children and caregivers don't slip on the icy corridors and stairs. They ask for disposable diapers, winter clothes, cream for chilblains for the children's hands and feet. HTS staff continues to walk to work through the snow and ice; there is no public transportation. UPDATE: They request 66,500 yuan to purchase 150 pairs of winter shoes (the children all have wet feet!), 12,000 disposable diapers and to repair the leaking roof. FINAL NEEDS: 66,500 yuan.

Xiushan SWI, Chongqing - requests 80 sets of winter clothing, 80 quilts, funds to repair a broken water mains and a subsidy to meet the increased costs of food purchases. FINAL NEEDS: 22,200 yuan.

Yangchun SWI, Guangdong - reports a need for space heaters and hot water bottles for 88 babies at two sites. UPDATE: reports that they are making do with what they have and that, because others are worse off, to not make their request high priority. Will keep in touch.

Yangxin County SWI, Hubei - Due to heavy snow and cold, they lost both their water tower and their solar hot water system. During the emergency, they relocated the children in temporary foster care where they have no rehabilitation or other facilities. They want to bring the children back and request 1 large heater/AC, a hot water heater, 5 hair dryers, 20 quilts, 20 sets of winter clothing and diapers. SWI houses 57 children, 20 of whom normally live inside. FINAL NEEDS: 16,550 yuan.

Yichang SWI, Hubei - The institution has 100 children, half living in foster care. 50 of the children are under 2 years. They request 50 quilts, 100 sets of winter clothing, and disposable diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 21,500 yuan.

Yichun, Hubei - need 100 quilts, 100 sets of winter clothing, and disposable diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 21,500 yuan.

Yifeng County SWI, Jiangxi - It's been snowing off and on for over a month and the temperature is at an all-time low. The heavy snows have damaged their room and their heaters are broken. They ask for 30 quilts, 28 sets of winter clothing and two large room heaters for 63 children, 42 of them under 2 years old. FINAL NEEDS: 24,335 yuan.

Yihuang County SWI, Jiangxi - Requests an emergency generator (HTS to pay 1/2), 70 sets of winter clothing and quilts and 6 space heaters. Total children: 63. FINAL NEEDS:35,320 yuan.

Yingtan, Jiangxi - Requests an emergency generator, winter clothing and quilts. Total children: 76. FINAL NEEDS: 38.200 yuan.

Yiyang, Hunan – still has electricity but the water has been shutting off and on.  They have stockpiled food for the children.  The greatest challenge is for the nannies to get to work.  Because the buses are down, they must walk on icy roads. UPDATE: They request 31,760 yuan to purchase 70 sets of winter clothing and shoes, 65 winter quilts, 20 space heaters, 3 boilers and enough disposable diapers to last 10 days. UPDATE: Yiyang SWC estimated cost 50,000 yuan; total child population: 19. Yiyang CWI estimated cost: 50,000 yuan; total child population: 65. FINAL CWI NEEDS: 41,670 yuan; FINAL SWC NEEDS: 34,420 yuan.

Yongxiu County SWI, Hunan - requests 30 quilts, 30 sets of winter clothing, 30 pairs of warm shoes, 1 heater/AC and 2 hot water heaters for 28 children. FINAL NEEDS: 19,400 yuan.

Yongzhou SWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, disposable diapers, heaters and medicine. Estimated cost: 40,000 yuan; total child population: 9.(social welfare institutions house elderly also) UPDATE: Purchased 3 heaters and 50 quilts. FINAL NEEDS: 13,200 yuan.

You County SWI, Hunan - requests heater/AC's and food subsidy. Child population: 19. Funds requested: 40,000 yuan, under review. FINAL NEEDS: 8,000 yuan.

Yueyang CWI, Hunan -  has no electricity.  The one functioning power generator is being used in the children’s dormitory.  They are relying on coal heat but the price has tripled in recent days.  They are running out of food and have applied to the local Bureau of Civil Affairs for funds to buy more.  Our HTS nannies have been walking for hours to get to work, often slipping on the ice, “even though they try to be cautious.” UPDATE: Request for quilts, 4 large room heaters, disposable diapers, winter clothing and medical assistance. Estimated cost: 30-50,000 yuan; total child population: 192. FINAL NEEDS: 58,278 yuan.

Yueyang County SWI, Hunan - requests quilts, winter clothin and a heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 17,740 yuan.

Yulin City, Guangxi - Freezing rain has finally stopped. They request three large heater/air conditioners, winter clothing and quilts for 167 children. FINAL NEEDS: 23,800 yuan.

Yushui SWI, Jiangxi - For 156 children, this institution requests 80 sets of winter clothes, 160 quilts and 10 space heaters. FINAL NEEDS: 32.600 yuan.

Zhanggong SWI, Jiangxi - For 62 children this SWI requests 2 heater/AC, 3 hot water heaters, 50 quilts, 50 sets of winter clothes, milk powder and diapers. FINAL NEEDS: 43,200 yuan.

Zhaoqing, Guangdong - requests 83 quilts and 83 sets of winter clothing. FINAL NEEDS: 18,260 yuan.

Zhijiang County SWI, Hunan - Requests quilts, winter clothing, a food subsidy and 3 heater/AC'. Child population: 28. Funds requested: 50,000 yuan, under review. FINAL NEEDS: 26,506 yuan.

Zhuzhou CWI, Hunan - need winter clothing, quilts, school supplies and medical assistance. Estimated cost: 100,000 yuan; total child population: 325 UPDATE: purchased 180 sets of winter clothes, 200 quilts and quilt covers, 180 pairs of winter shoes, coal, charcoal and 10 space heaters. FINAL NEEDS:115,200 yuan.

Zitong County SWI, Mianyang, Sichuan - request help for 60 children, 20 of them infants. They ask for 5000 diapers, 100 quilts, 40 sets of winter clothing and 5 large heater/AC. FINAL NEEDS: 28,890 yuan.

ANNOUNCEMENT ARCHIVE — What follows are the announcements made by HTS during the course of the storm emergency:

Here’s an update on conditions and needs at the institutions we've been in contact with. We’ll provide further information regarding these and other orphanages needing help just as soon as we have it.  In general the needs are for fuel, food, disposable diapers, warm clothing and bedding.  Prices are soaring because no goods can be shipped and cold weather has destroyed winter crops.  Half the Sky is responding to the emergency by getting funds directly to the institutions in a variety of ways.

IMPORTANT CLARIFICATION:
We are entering new information as we receive it and realize that sometimes the details can be confusing. In almost every instance, we are pre-approving funds and then institutions are purchasing goods locally. In some cases they are using personal funds to pay but in every instance, THE GOODS ARE AVAILABLE LOCALLY. Therefore, if you want to help, please donate funds. We will guarantee that each of the institutions listed below as well as those we continue to talk with will receive the funds to purchase what they need to get through this winter. It is not useful for us to try to ship blankets, diapers, etc. at this time. The country is struggling to restore transport lines. As long as goods are available locally, our best means of providing assistance is to guarantee funding. In the few cases where emergency funds or supplies are not available, we are using other means.

GENERAL UPDATE 13 FEBRUARY 2008:
Temperatures continue below normal and new snows are forecast for parts of western China, including already hard-hit Guizhou. Today the Ministry of Civil Affairs asked Half the Sky to postpone its spring builds, creating new HTS Centers and Blue Sky model centers at the Hangzhou, Zhejiang and Guiyang, Guizhou Children's Welfare Institutions. Both orphanages and Civil Affairs offices need more time to recover from the disastrous storms. We anticipate pushing back our start for one month. Today is the first official work day after the holiday and our Beijing staff is finally having more success in reaching welfare institutions. They promise us an updated list by tonight. If you have inquired about a specific orphanage, we should reach them soon, if we haven't already. By the end of this week, if an institution does not appear on the list below, it is likely that the institution has no need of emergency assistance or its needs have been met by local government or by an organization other than Half the Sky.

GENERAL UPDATE 9 FEBRUARY 2008:
If you are aware of an orphanage in trouble please let us know. We continue working hard to reach orphanages still suffering from the effects of the terrible storms and cold.  If you have knowledge of an institution in trouble and have not yet contacted us, please do so.  In addition to its phenomenal generosity, we are learning daily from our wonderful community about places which still need help.  Please don’t hesitate to write us at info @ halfthesky.org (remove spaces)
MANY THANKS!

GENERAL UPDATE 8 FEBRUARY 2008:
I know it is so frustrating not to hear news of a specific orphanage you are concerned about.  Please bear with us. It is very difficult to reach people during the holiday. We are on the phone all day and are compiling a list of needs. Our hardworking staff in China has not had time to send those updates during working hours as they are steadily on the telephone. They ask that they be allowed to use the precious days to talk on the telephone and not to type up reports. We will receive news, therefore, late each evening and will publish it as soon as the information becomes available. Please don't think that our silence means that we've stopped reaching out - it only means that we're working nonstop and are not able to report frequently. We are approving relief funds constantly; we're just not able to publish the information immediately. We are committed to reaching everyone who needs help. We are so moved by your generosity and also the compassion of our friends in the Ministry of Civil Affairs and non-affected welfare institutions who are giving up their holiday to try to contact those who need help. Thanks for your patience and your much-needed assistance! - Jenny

GENERAL UPDATE 7 FEBRUARY 2008:
Although it’s still extremely cold, the weather appears to be easing, at least for now.  We hope the end is in sight.  It will likely take us several days to fully assess the needs of all orphanages in trouble - during the holiday it is extremely difficult to make contact.  When we know the full cost of emergency relief, we will immediately let you know. If there are funds left over when the weather clears and services are restored, we will use the balance to help welfare institutions establish a store of emergency provisions so that this never happens again.

GENERAL UPDATE - 5 FEBRUARY 2008:
As the holiday nears, it is getting more and more difficult to reach out to the welfare institutions who need help. We will continue trying through the coming days and updating this list whenever we have news. However, we have decided that, despite difficulties making contact with orphanage directors, we must make a commitment to address the urgent needs of every children's welfare institution in the most affected areas. Therefore, if you wish to specify, you may make a donation to ANY orphanage in these six provinces: Hunan, Jiangxi, Guizhou, Anhui, Hubei and Guangxi. If you’ve already given a donation and now wish you’d specified a particular orphanage, please don’t worry.  What we are saying is that, with the help of this tremendous community, we are making a commitment to provide relief to all orphanages in those six provinces that are struggling through this crisis. We will continue to help orphanages in less-critically affected provinces as the need arises.