Desana seeks more help in helping others

George and Kathy Houk, who recently returned from a trip to Russia where they visited with many Russian orphans, spend time with children in the Nizhyz Tagil Shelter. (Photo submitted) [Click to enlarge]

Desana Inc., the 501(c)3 charity the Houks founded in March 2007, is operated by fewer than 10 people, but the efforts of the small group have paid off big time.

"But we really need help," said Kathy, who, on Thursday, had just returned from shipping birthday presents from the Shelbyville post office to a Russian orphanage. "We'd like to get some local involvement."

As much as the Houks would like to see local participation in terms of donations, Kathy said she also needs volunteers to help her with accounting, grant writing, thank you cards, and other tasks.

Currently focusing on projects in South Dakota, Russia and Peru -- where Desana has attempted to meet the basic needs of children by providing food, shelter, clothing and educational materials -- the Houks have set a goal of raising $45,000 in 2009.

The Houks started Desana Inc. after vacationing in Peru and witnessing the overwhelming number of impoverished children. They met a local man who had a dream of providing Christmas for children, who otherwise would not have received gifts, and decided to help the local man carry out his mission.

Following that, Desana was born and it has since taken on projects in South Dakota, where the charity has provided books for a Pine Ridge Indian Reservation school, as well as similar projects in Peru and Russia.

"We went to Peru in April to distribute clothing and school supplies," Kathy said. "We gave these children the first books they have ever owned. The children were jumping up and down with excitement."

In addition, the Houks recently received grant money to fund another school in Piura, Peru, the oldest Spanish city in South America.

"This is huge news," said Kathy. "This is for children who've never been in a school system. They live in extreme poverty."

The school itself isn't new -- it's a small, old building -- but Desana is funding the food, clothing, supplies and teachers.

Another project that Kathy and George have become extremely passionate about is the Russian project, where they've devoted themselves to helping Russian orphans.

"We (have become) more involved in this because we saw the orphanages," said Kathy, who made her first trip to Russia this summer.

Kathy said social Russian orphans, those who have been abandoned by a living parent, are only allowed to stay in orphanages until the ninth grade. From there, they're on their own and the Houks have made it a mission to help as many of these orphans as possible.

While there in June, Kathy said the orphans, while shy at first, really took to Kathy and George.

"I've never been hugged like that before," said Kathy of the trip. "At first they don't trust you but then they relax ... they just love the affection ... That's the best part of all this."

The Houks are in the beginning stages of planning a dinner in Shelbyville to inform folks about the Russian project. They say they'd like to hear more from any former Russian orphans who've been adopted, or their parents, and live in this area.

"From them, we'd like to learn more about how we can help the Russian orphans, or anything, even how to cook Russian food," said Kathy, who said they'd like to prepare a Russian meal at the dinner they're planning.

Next year, in addition to making another trip to Russia, the Houks will visit Peru, where they'll deliver Christmas presents again.

"I've already made 70 stockings, and I'm not an arts and crafts person," laughed Kathy. "Also, in August of next year we'll return to Russia. We want to do a huge American barbecue" for an orphanage in the country.

Desana's wish list

In addition to monetary donations, Kathy Houk said the charity needs supplies.

"We would be happy to pick up items and supply receipts for tax purposes," Kathy said. "We exclude heavy items and liquid or gel items and try to keep boxes around 15 pounds."

The following items are needed: Ball caps (no liquor or cigarette ads), bandanas, T-shirts, house shoes, deodorant sticks, Band-Aids and antiseptic ointment, underwear (children and adult sizes small and medium), pajamas, warm baby clothing, baby booties, knitted scarves, coats, sweatshirts, sweaters, sweatpants, gloves, combs and hair brushes, bar soap, needles and thread, embroidery floss, yarn, buttons and beads.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

To learn more information about Desana Inc. or to contact Kathy and George Houk call 685-4675 or visit desanagiving.org.