May 12, Sichuan China and 9 other areas were devastated by the strongest earthquake to hit the region in 32 years. At the epicenter in Wenchuan County, the quake registered at 7.9 on the Richter scale. Over 300 smaller aftershocks have since been reported. At least 12,000 have died and, according to the official Xinhua news agency, another 18,645 people remain buried under debris in Mianyang city, near the quake's epicenter.

With one third of the houses collapsed in Wenchuan County, we know the orphanages must be suffering damages. Phone communications are down, however, and there is no way to contact them. 

The greatest peril now for survivors huddling in makeshift shelters is exposure to the cold and rain. The need of the entire region is for tents, food, and medicine. Children’s Hope is collecting funds to help purchase needed items for the victims. Our volunteers in Chongqing and Chengdu will be on the front lines delivering the items as soon as they are able. 

Children's Hope works with three orphanages for international adoption in the surrounding area - Chengdu, Chongqing and Yibin. Our orphanages are doing well.

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