Hope Trips Welcome

“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity”. Martin Luther King Jr.

Heart4Kids Hope Trips allow those with a heart for helping children to experience bringing immense hope to those who are suffering. If your passion is to volunteer abroad, volunteer in Africa or work with Aids orphans in Africa, our organization welcomes you to partner with us. The trips are life changing experiences, both for the children we visit and for the volunteers who come with us. For 5 years Heart4kids has conducted Hope Trips to Zimbabwe every year. The goal is to let our volunteers see first hand the plight of the children and the difference that they can make in a child’s life. If you want to see for yourself the lives of the children we try to serve and to personally be involved in their lives, consider joining us on our next Hope trip.

If you are interested in joining us in 2010 please click here to go to the 2010 Hope Trips.

If you cannot travel you can support our work by making a donation

Note: Hope Trips are also referred to by many as mission trips. It entails volunteering beyond boarders or abroad to spread hope.

2010 Hope Trip
2010 Hope Trip
Heart4kids provides an opportunity for you to volunteer abroad, volunteer in Africa and specifically volunteer in Zimbabwe. If you want to help children and Aids orphans, this is for you. This year we have two trips planned:

• Trip 1 on September 18, 2010 through September 30, 2010.
• Trip 2 December 26, 2010 through January 11, 2011.

Cost per person:
Total cost is $3250 and covers round trip fare from an international airport in the US to Harare plus accommodation, food and transport on the ground in Zimbabwe. Click here to signup

Note: if you want to arrange your own flight and if you take that option you will be pay $1500 per person to participate.
Payment Schedule for the September 2010 Hope Trip: Your spot is guaranteed only if you adhere this payment schedule:

1st Payment Due 3/30/10	$250
2nd Payment Due 5/30/10	$1000
3rd Payment Due 6/30/10	$1000
Final Payment Due 7/30/10	$1000

Payment Schedule for the December 2010 Hope Trip: Your spot is guaranteed only if you adhere this payment schedule:

1st Payment Due 7/30/10	$250
2nd Payment Due 8/30/10	$1000
3rd Payment Due 9/30/10	$1000
Final Payment Due 10/30/10	$1000

For more information click here to view our FAQ
To signup for the 2010 Hope Trips you will need to download print and fill out the application form and mail it back with your 1st deposit of $250.
Sign Up

It's been over a year now since coming home from Zimbabwe. Its taken almost this long to truly process everything I saw and everything we did. When I first came home, I was almost in shock. I'd never in my life seen such poor conditions of children and their environment. At first, I couldn't talk about my experience with Heart4Kids because I didn't know how to express my feelings. I was equally thankful for having seen what I did and also tormented by it. So much more needed to be done and yet I know we changed the lives of hundreds of children. I personally was able to pay for a woman of Seke to come clean and watch the children at one orphanage for an entire year. I simply asked Sandra how much something like that would be...when she told me $120 U.S. dollars...there was no question this was something I would do. I took comfort in knowing that those children were being helped, even after I left their country and I took comfort in knowing I provided a family with a years salary. That is the most incredible element to Heart4Kids; we can make a change. It is so grassroots that a simple volunteer like myself can come up with a plan, run it by Sandra, and have it taken care of right then and there. Heart4Kids if far from a commercial you may see on the television and wonder how much of your money those children would be seeing; if any at all. You have the chance to be there, in the middle of it all and decide what YOU will do to help! I reflect and hope they all still remember me because I remember every single one of them. I remember the babies, the teenagers and of course all the children. I remember the smiles, the tears and every story. It is so easy for someone to say "it changed my life", but working with Heart4Kids did. I've come to a new beginning because of my trip to Zimbabwe. I am no longer that stereotypical American that complains about the small things and takes for granted the ease and opportunities of our country. Heart4Kids and their mission's trip will change everything. However, take a deep breath. Be mentally prepared. Though most importantly, stay strong. These children need us. Thank you Sandra for the opportunity. I hope to have it again, and soon.

Jennifer Adamo Brian (Hope Trip '08)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What will I be doing on the ground?
A: We will visit children in local schools, orphanages and hospitals. Our focus will be children who are affected by HIV and AIDS. Activities will include:

• Visit partner orphanages and schools
• Meet with Elders and Care-Takers
• Spend time with the children – reading, crafts, play sports
• Improve the children’s living conditions through
• • Planting and cultivating gardens
  • Cleaning and Painting
  • Arts and Crafts

Q: Why are we doing this?
A: To demonstrate our love for humanity. To bring hope where there is no hope, joy where there is sadness, food where there is hunger and education to every child who needs it.

Q: With whom and for who am I doing this?
A: You are partnering with Heart4kids spreading hope for the children in Zimbabwe.

Q: How much do I need to save?
A: We estimate that you will need about $3250 at least. Prices are skyrocketing in Zimbabwe because of the current economic situation hence we encourage you to be prepared for any sudden changes which you will be notified of ahead of time.

Q: If I can't go, can I get a refund?
A: Unfortunately, because Heart 4kids is a 501 (c) (3) we cannot refund donations. Please keep in mind that the funds you raise must be solicited and donated with the understanding that Heart4kids has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds. In order for the funds donated to allow a tax deduction, they are not yours, or contingent upon your ultimate participation, but Heart 4kids funds to be used to further its charitable purposes.

Q: How do I raise the funds?
A: We encourage you to contact family members and friends. Let them know about the purpose of the trip and the needs in Zimbabwe.It is also recommended to let your colleagues, place of business or religious institution know about your trip plans and perhaps seek support from these sources. Additionally, you could try fundraising activities including bake sales, blog appeals, car washes, auctions, yard sales or other community fundraising events.

Q: Where do I send the funds to?
A: Sponsors can fund trips in the following ways:
1.   Online donations can be made securely at: www.heart4kids.org
2.   Mail checks made out to Heart4Kids to:
            Heart4Kids Society, Inc.
            2200 Olds Brick Rd. Suite #2139
            Glen Allen VA 23060
            Phone:(404) 957-9014

Q: Is there a contract I should sign before we go?
A: Yes, a contract with Heart4kidswill be signed before departure

Q: Should I bring extra money?
A: This is optional, but we do recommend extra money. During our free time you will be able to visit shopping centers, flea markets and gift shops. You may also need extra snacks for the day.

Q: Should I bring US currency?
A: Yes you may. Zimbabwe has currently authorized shops to use $US for transactions because of the bad economic situation.

Q: How will my Itinerary look?
A: Depending on the airline used, our flight will be from either New York, Atlanta or Washington Dulles to Johannesburg, South Africa then to Harare, Zimbabwe. A typical total travel time is 18-20hrs. You are responsible for booking and fare to the departure city.

Q: Where will I stay?
A: We will stay in a hotel or lodge some of the days and in the village partially.

Q: How many bags should I pack?
A:  Generally International flights allow you to check in two 50lb bags. We encourage you to use the second bag for children’s gifts that you will be bringing. Here is a suggestion list of children’s gifts:

Q: Can I arrive early or stay later?
A: Yes. You will have to make your own travel arrangements and then confirm them with us. A reduced fee of $1500 for participation will apply.

Q: Can I bring or send donations?
A: Yes. Donations will be accepted for our various projects. Please refer to our website and see the required items.
We ask that every participant sponsor a child – it takes $250 to support a child for one year. The success of our Hope trip is based on how much we can bring to change the children’s lives. Please donate to www.heart4kids.org or mail your checks to:
Heart4Kids Society Inc
2220 Old Brick Rd Suite # 2319
Glen Allen VA 23060

Q: Will I get sick from the food?
A: There is currently a cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe. Fortunately, where we will be staying, there have not been many cases reported. The food and water are safe. When eating away from the hotel area, basic traveler’s precautions should be taken. Please check with CDC regarding any necessary immunizations needed.

Q: May I bring children?
A: Yes. Anyone is welcome to join. However, if any participants are under the age of 18, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Also, each traveler must complete the application form and comply with the payment schedule set in this document.

Q: Do I need a visa?
A: Yes. A visa is required to travel to Zimbabwe. Contact the Zimbabwean embassy for more information.
1608 New Hampshire Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
Tel: (202) 332-7100
www.zimbabwe-embassy.us

Q: Do I need a passport?
A: Yes. This must be a valid passport for six months past departure date. Copies should be carried with you and some left with family members in case you misplace it in Zimbabwe. Please apply for your passport as soon as you can to avoid delays and any rush processing charges.

Q: What should I pack?
A: You will pack outdoor clothing enough for 10days. Zimbabwe is generally warm to mild. Walking shoes, t-shirts, jacket. Basic toiletries, wash cloths, and a sleeping bag will be required for our village experience.
Zimbabwe is experiencing extreme shortages so please bring all your basic supplies and medicine for the 10 days and assume that you cannot buy anything there.

Q: Can I charge my electrical devices?
A: Yes you can if you have a universal adapter. These can be found at any CVS or dollar store.

Q: Do I need shots?
A: You will have to talk to your doctor and also visit www.cdc.gov to see if shots are recommended for the country you wish to visit.

For any other questions you may have, visit our website and please contact us by email at info@heart4kids.org

Together we can help more children. Simply complete this form to receive our newsletters and to get involved. (*required)

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