The cost of Rice

The Rice Distribution Program has been at the center of our efforts since its inception in 2004. Our first distribution took place in Vinh Quynh in Hanoi's most southern district of Thanh Tri. Twenty-two families families received bags of either 20 kg or 30 kg. Since then we have expanded to Soc Son District where families from 5 Communes receive monthly allotments of rice. Today there are 151 families in this program. Each family is visited and qualified by a HSCV-Team member. This program is often combined with our Educational Scholarships and Bicycle Donation programs. Families typically stay in the program for 2 - 3 years.

In April 2007 the average cost per family was $8.31 or $99.75 a year. These costs do not include any administrative costs. HSCV is fortunate enough to have a private donor who covers all administrative costs. Donors were asked to donate $100 usd for every family they wished to sponsor.

The current rise in the cost of rice combined with recent inflation in Vietnam has put a severe strain on this program. In just 12 months we have seen nearly a 100% increase of the price of rice. The average monthly cost of per family is now $15.16 or $181.92. It's likely this number will continue to increase until the first harvest. We are currently using general funding to fill this gap, but this is an unsustainable situation for HSCV.

We are calling for your donation to help us with this problem. Without your support today, HSCV can not continue this program with its current funding level.

A Rice Distribution General Fund has been set up at this time. By donating to this general fund you will support the Rice Distribution Program as a whole. Please understand you will not be assigned a particular family, as with our Direct Sponsorship program.

To donate now please follow the paypal donation link.

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=hscv_donations%40yahoo%2ecom&item_name=Rice%20Distribution%20General%20Fund&no_shipping=0&return=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2ehscv%2eorg%2fdonationthankyou%2ehtm&cancel_return=http%3a%2f%2fhscv%2eorg%2findex%2ehtm&tax=0&currency_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

OR

Send Check or Money order to:HSCV 2965 Spring Lake Road - Prior Lake, MN 55372 – USA

Please indicate the donation is for the Rice Distribution General Fund.

OR

Cash donations can be given directly to a HSCV representative.

Thao's second surgery

Last week was a big one for Thao. Her skin had been stretching and growing so well the Doctors decided to move her surgery up by one week. I received a call from Hanh (from the host family) shortly after the surgery was complete. Hanh was thrilled with Thoa's progress and attitude saying, "Thao is a very strong and amazing girl."




The latest procedure was Thao's most extensive since arriving in the States. Her new skin was used to replace part of the scared skin on her face. The skin was replaced on her chin and cheeks. For the next six months Thao will have to wear a mask to prevent the skin from sliding down. After this time another balloon will be implanted in her neck were new skin will once again be grown. It is hoped that during this recovery time surgeons will begin to work on her hands. They hope they will be able to create move movement in her fingers and wrists.

Thao is expect to return to sponsor's home after a few days of recovery in the hospital. Her father Cong is always by her side.