by PAULO SILVESTRE
paulo.silvestre@theresidentgroup.com
Os Miúdos children’s home in Loulé is hoping to be able to provide its 12 children a happy Christmas with lots of presents to meet their wishes.
Founded on May 6, 1998, the home is a refuge for children considered to be at risk, such as in cases of neglect and abuse, ensuring their fundamental rights and protection.
According to a spokesman from Os Miúdos, “meeting their needs with adequate nutrition, healthcare, personal hygiene, education, security, affection and their general wellbeing 24:7 is our permanent mission.
“We also ensure that the children can feel the warmth and comfort of a stable home here. While we work towards returning every child to their biological family, some however have to be put up for adoption or kept in a children’s home,” he added.
Children at Os Miúdos, who are aged 0 to 12, are given the opportunity to enrol in a variety of activities, such as swimming, horse riding, workshops, going to the cinema or theatre, among others, aiming to keep them active and integrated in society.
The home has its own sources of revenue, operating through agreements with the Social Security, however, it is thanks to the generosity of members of the community that they are able to give the children a better quality of life.
“A simple gesture can make the world of difference,” said the spokesman. “Every child has specific needs and everyone can help by contributing with something that will bring them a smile.”
If you would like to help Os Míudos by donating clothes, toys, school supplies (new or used but in good condition), food, hygiene products and other essential items, please go to our website (www.
algarveresident.com), click on ‘algarve’ and look for this story to check the home’s list of needs.
Donations can be made at the home’s office located at Avenida José da Costa Mealha, Nº 66, in Loulé.
For more information, please call 289 417 590 or email primeirainfancia@sapo.pt
OS MIÚDOS’ HOME – LIST OF NEEDS
• Payment of pharmacy, butcher and grocery’s bills.
• Payment of monthly rental to Santa Casa da Misericórdia.
• Home improvement works.
Other needs:
Girls’ and boys’ rooms
• Eight coloured lockers.
• Two coloured chests of draws with four drawers
• 16 waterproof mattress protectors.
Living room
• One large carpet (washing machine washable).
Equipment:
• Vertical freezer with drawers.
• Bright and colourful curtains.
• PVC cabinets for storage of cleaning equipment.
• PVC or aluminium shelves.
• Hair clippers.
• Music CDs for children.
• DVDs for children.
Food
• Milk
• Baby porridge
• Cereals
• Chocolate spread for sandwiches
• Cheese
• Butter
• Olive oil
• Oil
• Sugar
• Flour
• Tuna
• Sausages
• Rice
• Pasta
• Chickpeas
• Beans
• Salt
• Tomato pulp
Hygiene and cleaning products
• Diapers
• Baby wipes
• Napkins
• Kitchen paper
• Aluminium foil
• Cling film
• Toothpaste
• Shampoo
• Shower gel
• Hair conditioner
• Toilet paper
• Softener for clothes
• Floor cleaner
• Dishwashing liquid
• Bleach
• Spray window cleaner
• Bin liners
• Distilled water
