Many individuals have found themselves wanting to change the lives of underprivileged children around the world but were not sure how to do so. One way you can make a change is to invest your time and money into the organization, 147 Million Orphans. This organization was created to “implement the critical needs of children as orphans who are living in poverty.” It was founded by Gwen Oastsvall and Suzanne Mayernick in Brentwood, Tennessee back in 2009.

The name itself may sounds a little harsh, but its purpose is to bring awareness that there are many orphans worldwide that need our help. We should be eager to help children in these circumstances because no one is promised a happy and healthy life. These vulnerable children deserve a chance at life as if they were born into a loving home with loving parents. 

The organization’s purpose is to provide water, food, shelter, and medicine to children in Jesus’ name. Even though their ministry started in Uganda, they now aid an additional two countries: Haiti and Honduras. In these countries, a team of volunteers spend time building schools,  water purification systems, and clinics to better the children’s conditions. Not only do they build things, but these individuals spend quality time with the children holding them, caring for them, and showing them that they too deserve to be loved by someone special. The impact left on a child is a memory that he or she will always remember, whether it was just a comforting hug or being extra kind in hard times. Putting smiles on children’s faces who have lost everything and everyone they’ve ever known and loved will positively impact one’s life. 

If you are not comfortable nor able to travel to another country to give aid, don’t be discouraged. There are many other ways you can help an orphan. Individuals can donate over the counter medicines, bandages, school supplies, diapers, toothbrushes, feminine products, sheets, and blankets to the organization, who will then send them to those designated countries. You also have the opportunity to buy 147 Million Orphans apparel online. Sweatshirts and tee shirts are for sale, in addition to many other products. The money collected from buying an item will feed one child in Uganda for at least a week. The apparel-shopping option is helpful for people who cannot go on trips due to several factors, such as age, financial state, or physical health, but who still want to make an impact. 

If you do have the opportunity in life to visit different countries, and you unexpectedly fall in love in with one child,  even after you have left that country, that doesn’t necessarily have to be goodbye. The organization, 147 Million Orphans, will actually give you the opportunity to adopt that child for life. 

This organization holds a special place in my heart because they advocate and speak for children who don’t yet have a voice. They give children a chance at, if not a new life, a better life, than the one they had before. I’m truly inspired by 147 Million Orphans and I can’t wait until I’m given the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life. Even in the smallest way possible, you can too. In my heart, I have decided I will choose to LOVE+1: will you?