The Shakopee-based RMH Children's Foundation (RMH) has announced its annual “Operation: Kid Gloves” drive. 

“Operation: Kid Gloves” was started in 2003 by Michael Chance, now a fourth-grader at Pearson Elementary in Shakopee. Through Operation: Kid Gloves, new winter clothing is given to needy children around the world.

More than a thousand winter clothing items have been collected and distributed through Michael Chance’s efforts.

Items collected this year will benefit children in an orphanage in Yalta, Ukraine. The Yalta orphanage is home to approximately 55 children, ranging in age from newborn to age 7. The building is very old and drafty, and the children are subject to cold temperatures even while indoors. The orphanage director recently reported that they have a great need for heavy winter tights, thick socks, sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves and coats.

For humanitarian aid purposes, only new merchandise can be accepted for this drive.

The Yalta orphanage was selected as the recipient of this year’s donations because it was the first home of Michael’s sister, Hannah, a first-grader at Pearson. As the Chance family celebrates Hannah's fifth year in their family, they remember the children who are left behind in the orphanage.

 They ask the community to help them provide warm clothing for Ukrainian orphans. Donations can be mailed or delivered to 1168 Hawthorne Circle, Shakopee, MN 55379.

To learn more  or to help in the relief efforts, visit the RMH Web site at http://www.nhffoundations.net/rmhchildren [1].

Established by Bob and Robin Chance, RMH Children's Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of homeless children and orphans around the world through humanitarian relief efforts, community outreach, and adoption advocacy programs. It is listed as a project under the National Heritage Foundation. Donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.