Thursday, January 2, 2014

Help the Lost Boys living in DFW have a Happy Birthday

photo ℅ Friends of the Lost Boys DFW


The Lost Boys of Sudan were approximately 30,000 boys orphaned or separated from their families as preteens in the 1980s in the midst of a brutal civil war in Africa. They grew up in deep poverty and terrible conditions in refugee camps. In 2000-2001, 4,000 of them came to the United States to start a new life here. Currently there are approximately 100 “Lost Boys” living in the DFW area. They did not know their birth dates, so the US government assigned them all birthdays of January 1st. To celebrate, on January 11th, the Friends of the Lost Boys organization, in collaboration with the Young Men’s Service League, is hosting its fourth annual birthday party for the Lost Boys of Sudan, along with their wives and children at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church at 5:30pm.

The party will feature an inspirational speaker, provide dinner, and set up a store where the "boys" (now men, really) can choose needed items from donations collected. If you have any unneeded LIKE NEW men’s, women’s or children’s clothing, household items (bedding, towels, dishes, cooking items, etc.), used laptops, or toys - Friends of Lost Boys would love to have your donation. Gift cards to Walmart or Target are always a welcome gift as well. The Lost Boys are also in need of 7 beds, any size. Men now, the “Lost Boys” are in their 20s and 30s. They are diligent, hardworking, have strong faith, a good work ethic, and take nothing for granted. Some have married and have young families. Life is still hard; some are trying to finish college or looking for good jobs. They do not have money for luxuries, so they will truly appreciate any items you are able to provide.

Friends of the Lost Boys – DFW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and they can provide tax receipts if desired. Please drop your donations off at 3515 Rosedale Avenue, 2841 Fondren Avenue, 3112 Drexel Avenue, or 2916 McFarlin Avenue in Dallas between January 1-10. For more information, visit www.friendslostboys.org