Helping the Orphans: Besitos de Mariposa

 Orphanages. Many of us don't think about them in our day-to-day lives. But, when living in what is not deemed as a first world country, we become a little more aware that they do exist here as well. Panama is not as rich as the countries from which we have come. Here, more than ever, the orphanages need our help. For many expats who move to Panama to retire, volunteering at a local orphanage gives them a renewed sense of purpose and an ideal way to give back to their new community.

Many people know about the orphanage in Penonomé but are perhaps less familiar with the Malambo Orphanage located in the village of Cerro Silvestre in Arraijan. Malambo Orphanage, which opened its doors on May 15, 1890, takes in children and adolescents from homes where there is dysfunction in the family unit or where the parents or guardians have not fulfilled their duties and responsibilities in the child’s upbringing and development. They also provide comprehensive care to children and adolescents affected with HIV/Aids, children who are victims of sexual abuse, and children and adolescents with disabilities.

Not too long ago, a group of girlfriends who live in Panama had the opportunity to volunteer at the Malambo Orphange though the Panama International Church. They were so moved by their experience with the children that they came together and formed the organization, Besitos de Mariposa (Butterfly Kisses), in the hopes of fulfilling the many needs of the children and orphanages in Panama. A few times each week, the women visit the children to hold the babies and to play with the toddlers. For them the experience has been amazing; and while volunteering, they have become more aware of the never-ending issues that face many of the orphanages. There are days when supplies become scarce, and Besitos de Mariposa has made it one of their goals to try to eliminate this problem.

In working towards this goal and the betterment of the children, the group of ladies has recently organized an outing on December 7, for 80 of the children of Malambo Orphanage. Together with the play place B-Happy, they will be providing the children with a holiday party that includes food, entertainment, and 3 hours of playtime. Through this event, Besitos de Mariposa is looking forward to giving both the residents of Panama City and of the beach communities an opportunity to donate the much-needed supplies for the children at Malambo Orphange. Brooke Hawley, who works for Panama Sol Realty, is one of the members of Besitos de Mariposa, and she is asking anyone who would like to help out the orphanage to do so by making donations at their office here in Coronado. Any of the following items will be much appreciated.

• • • • • • • • • diapers in all sizes

                • formula

                • baby wipes,

                • diaper rash cream,

                • towels (washcloths, hand towels, bath towels), toilet paper, sanitary wipes, hand sanitizer, etc.

 For your convenience, Panama Sol Realty's office in the Coronado Mall has a drop box available for anything you wish to donate to the orphanage for this event. If you would like to learn more about the Malambo Orphanage, check out their website at http://hogarsanjosedemalambo.org/english.htm. To learn more about the ladies of Besitos de Mariposa, visit their website at http://www.besitosdemariposa.org/.