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| At the Telavi orphanage Robert is welcomed by the works of young artists created from donated crayons and paper since there are no other art supplies.
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The director of the orphanage, Omar (in black shirt) explains the many challenges facing the 170 children to Robert (at right) and other CCRFund members.
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Robert (the son of a mason) is horrified to discover the state of the building that houses the orphans. The brick is in such a bad condition it crumbles at a touch.
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| Again and again Robert and CCRfund members are shocked at what they see. The orphanage is in desperate need of such basics as a heating system. In the frigid winter, ancient and dangerous wood stoves are used to try to supply heat for the children.
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The main dormitory for the children is in such terrible condition that Robert was afraid to spend any length of time inside for fear it would collapse around him and the others.
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All efforts are made to try and keep things sanitary but it is never easy when plumbing is from the 19th century. In case you're wondering, this is the children's toilet.
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| Black mold is everywhere, even where the children sleep. There is no money to repair the building, let alone try to remove the dangerous (and disease causing) molds.
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An old Soviet medicine cabinet with broken glass holds the meager supplies of medicines for 170 children.
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Although all the problems can't be solved overnight, your contributions can bring some joy into the daily lives of these remarkable kids. Like providing them with books!
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| This voracious young reader couldn't wait to get into the next installment (translated into Georgian) of the world's most famous orphan.
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And no bag of books would be complete without some pop-ups! Robert carried some of his books halfway around the world to introduce these young readers to the joy of movable books.
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For these kids YOU will become the Wizard of Oz by helping them grow, challenging their very eager minds and letting them know that even though they are orphaned, they are not forgotten.
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