Helping Hands plans to supply exercise and athletic equipment for the Novonickolaevka orphanage. The state-run orphanage is in the process of constructing a gym for use by the 91 youths who live there, but cannot afford any equipment to go in the gym. For less than $1,000, Helping Hands can supply the gym with a basketball goal, a volleyball net, various balls, and three used exercise machines including a treadmill and two machines that can be used by teenagers for lifting weights.

Having athletic and exercise equipment will greatly enhance the orphans’ morale and give them a healthy outlet for expending their energy during the long, harsh Ukrainian winters and when it is raining outside. Athletic courses that will utilize the equipment are scheduled to be part of the children’s school curriculum, and Helping Hands will organize basketball and volleyball leagues for children who are interested. The gym is set to be constructed in September, 2009; Helping Hands will be able to purchase the equipment as soon as the project is fully funded.