A nation long ravaged by poverty and conflict, Haiti faces many challenges that often dominate international headlines. Hidden among these stories of political tensions and environmental dilemmas are the stories of countless children like Vinny, who sometime before his first birthday was abandoned in Port au Prince. When he was discovered in a rubbish pile in an alley, he was malnourished and failing to thrive; one of his legs was broken, as was an arm.

His rescuer brought him to the Petit V Orphanage, where sadly his story was not unique. The project, founded 37 years ago by American volunteers, consists of two group homes, currently housing 156 children aged 18 months to 17 years. The project aims to provide not only necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, but also sustained access to nursery care, primary and secondary education, and trade-based training. Classes are held within the house itself, lessening any obstacles that might prevent its young residences from accessing educational opportunities.

In spite of the best intentions of the program, its resources have long been severely limited. While the two houses provide basic shelter to the children, the facilities themselves are without even the basic amenities – the walls are bare, the floors concrete, and the temperature hovers at a claustrophobic 100 degrees.

Although the situation has not been ideal, the people behind the Petit-V Orphanage are relentless in their efforts to help these lost children of Haiti thrive and succeed. Seeing the work that the organization was able to do with such limited supplies, Lotus of Hope stepped in to try to provide as much support as possible, including ensuring that the most basic supplies such as diapers, clothing and infant formula are available to these children.