ORPHANAGES open TO VISIT near Central Valley-Grecia-Arenal-San Jose?

I will be in Puerto Viejo for Christmas - what a wonderful idea! Does anyone know of any orphanages in that area??

I read a lot of trip reports about people bringing items for schools, but I haven't seen much about orphanages. Great and thoughtful idea.

If I hear of any in Purto Viejo, I will let you know..I'm searching, and think I may have found a few in CR.. other than the one we visited before...
It was such a blessing to us, to do something for the kids...on a whim really- as it turned out, this was the only gift the kids had in the morning...and with the money we left (hidden) they bought the kids things they needed...

The best part was the grocery store in which we purchased the candy. We almost filled up the shopping cart with the big bags, and as we left the store and packed up the car, we had an audience...what we spent that day is more than most make in a month...so we passed some out to them, too...

Blessing boomerang!
I wish you many this Holiday season as we remember the one who provides all our needs God Bless <><

what a thoughtful, meaningful gesture. Please keep us updated on what you find and how when traveling to CR again, we too can donate.

My husband and I are leaving for Costa Rica this week. I've been waiting for an email about visiting an orphanage. We want to visit and drop gifts off, but we're at a loss as where to start. We want to go to an orphanage where there is a great need. For years, I've been saving all the little bottles of lotion and soaps from hotels. Would this be acceptable to donate these items? I would bring other gifts, too.

I will also be traveling soon to Costa Rica, in just a couple of weeks. I have been trying to find an orphanage to donate Christmas presents to while I am there. I have come across a few that were very hard to track down and have yet to find contact info on them. Once I find it I will post it on here. If you find any info please do the same. When will you be coming back?

We are coming back on the 27th. We're only away for a week.

We JUST returned from two weeks in CR with my family of 5. We had spent many days prior to traveling collecting items to take to Hogar de Vida which is a home for children that have serious family situations going on - some are returned to their biological families, some aren't. So, it is not a "true orphanage" where the children are available for adoption, but it is a wonderful facility with about 25-30 kids age range newborn to 8yrs old (inc 1 14 yr old special needs boy). they are located in atenas, about 20 mins from the intl airport so it is a very easy trip to make. it was a little difficult getting specifics for their needs and a little difficult getting in touch with them prior to going, but after exchaging a few emails, we ended up taking 2 over-packed suitcases full of brand new clothing, baby bottles, crib sheets, art supplies, underwear, socks and many other things. they were so excited to receive it - saying that they've had some people drop off old puzzles with missing pieces and worn out clothing. of course, they accept anything and everything knowing that the person's gesture was from their heart, but they also want to bless the children at their home with usable things - not random puzzle pieces! the woman who is running it now (she just transitioned to this position) is helen - she is very sweet and gave us a tour of the entire property and allowed up to interact with many of the children. she was most appreciative as they are in preparation for the christmas holiday and desire to give all of the kids gifts. feel free to read about our experience on our blog: http://thirtyonefeet.blogspot.com/2009/11/visiting-hogar-de-vida.html
would love to hear if you decide to go too! here is their site: http://www.homesoflife.org/

sclubb, I was excited to read your post and to view the photos. We visited Hogar de Vida last year and were impressed with the children, caregivers and facilities. We also brought donated items from several churches and treated the kids to a pizza lunch. They are doing a wonderful job with the children in their care. Thanks for letting others know about this special place.

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to read and answer my post...It's as if God has opened the door to which I thought was shut.... I was beginning to accept that it's not God's will that I visit a children's home this year while in CR. Tonight you were a messenger of Hope and I will be visiting in Dec. with gifts- We have been looking for a CR Charity org. to give to for a very long time. Once my son is done w/Medical school, he too wants to donate his time to helping the less fortunate in CR. I will let you know and give you a link of my blog, once it's complete...<3 God's Blessings to All for your family during the Christmas Season. <3

PS....I wanted to tell you another way that God answered my prayers- The property we are visiting and staying on for three days is very close to Hagar de Vida-
Thank you Jesus! <><