Another program brings fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy products and other items required for the proper development of children, to 10 orphanages housing more than 1,000 children in Siberia as well as in the Moscow region. It's only natural that when they get better food, they are sick less often, they play more and are more active. The American Red Cross does not typically support orphanages, but when the Russian economy collapsed in 1998, and support to institutions diminished, it was clear that the lives of hundreds of children were at stake. During its first year, financial support for the effort, which began in April 1999, was provided in part by donations from the U.S.-based Indy Racing League and CHS Cares, a nonprofit organization established by the technology company CHS Electronics. An anonymous donor is supporting the continuation of the program through the end of this year.
Food continues to arrive at a critical time for Russian orphanages.
Like many institutions throughout Russia, orphanages are running on no more than 50 percent of their operational needs. As prices continue to rise and provisions decrease, the situation grows more and more difficult. The Sludyanka Specialized Orphanage, where Victor lives, is home to more than 100 children from infants to 4 year olds. The orphanage mostly serves children suffering from a range of neurological, congenital and mental disorders. Until the age of 5, a child's resistance to illness is still being built, she explained.