Our mailboxes are filled with end of the year appeals from multiple charities; our public radio stations barrage us with pleas to become a sustaining donor and receive yet one more water bottle or tote bag in return.  I’m almost embarrassed to add AFPVO’s voice to the cacaphony, but beg I must! The Pro Vita community continues to grow and their need for support does also.

A big thank you to those of you who responded to our Giving Tuesday Newsletter and much gratitude to our repeat givers — Sara, Roxana, Narcis & Adela, Leigh & Dennis, Phyllis, Barbara & Harry, Viv & Regis, Diana & Don, AFPVO Board members, Tony & Lee Ann, Nancy, Louise & Gerhard, Sandy & Bob, Jan & Martie, and Georgeta.  So far in 2016 we have received donations from 37 subscribers; donations range from $10.00-$2000.00.  Please help us increase subscriber participation by donating whatever you can afford.  As Dr. Phyllis noted recently “We have many choices about where to put our charitable donations.  In Romania, the government safety net doesn’t exist.  I feel secure that the donations are being used wisely. . . seeing successes and growth make me feel like AFPVO is a great, impactful organization.”

Mihail Tanase tells us that the children are painting up a storm in preparation for a charity art auction in Bucharest.  See new pictures on the AFPVO’s website Gallery (provitacharity.org).  A Dutch violinist, Xander Niching, has given teenager, Minodora, her first professional violin which makes her lessons and practices so much better.  The girls are continuing to settle into and fill the Teen House in Valenii de Munte.  Winter has arrived in Romania so all new construction is on hold until Spring, and the Teen House residents are grateful for the recent installation of the new heating system (wood-fired boilers).

In this season of sharing, please include AFPVO in your personal charitable giving — and get the 100% tax deduction for all gifts received by 31 December.  Remember — sending a check to AFPVO, 10005 Donal Lane, Vienna, VA 22181 — is the most efficient way to support the Pro Vita community in Romania.We still need to raise $20,000 to achieve our “Economic Trampoline” goal of expanding the sewing enterprise and inaugurating the metal fabrication enterprise.  2017 could be the year that adds financial independence to the myriad of support services that Pro Vita offers — BUT — only if you give and help AFPVO make it happen.

Wishing you a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year,

Donna, Frank, Fr. Sean, and John