The Birmingham-based group, International Orphan Aid, sent medicine, vitamins, athletic equipment and clothes to orphans in Ukraine.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – It started with a dream to send a few supplies to orphans in need and ended up filling a 40-foot container.

But for Curtis and Tamara of Alabama, filling a massive cargo container is just the beginning of what they hope to do for orphans in Ukraine.

The couple is part of an International Orphan Aid small group they formed through their church. Together, they gathered supplies including medical equipment, medicine, chewable vitamins, personal items, athletic equipment, a top-of-the-line water purification system, clothes, coats and shoes. In addition, they sent toys, art supplies, pillows, blankets and towels.

Curtis loads the last few boxes into the 40-foot container he and six others packed full for orphans in Ukraine.

"These orphans have no one else to care for them," Tamara said. "We have a special burden on our hearts for children in this situation."

The group started collecting items in January with the help of various individuals, doctors, businesses, schools and churches.  By June, they gathered enough supplies to fill a 40-foot container.

Curtis and Tamara have done more than just send aid; in addition to their 21-year-old daughter, Ginger, they adopted four children from Ukraine – two daughters, Brooke and Baylee in 2001 and in 2004, another daughter, Ella, and a son, Dima.

Curtis and Tamara with their family.

"When you’re in an orphanage, you feel like no one cares about you," said Ella, who lived in an orphanage in Melitopol for four years before Curtis and Tamara adopted her. "You think no one will ever come for you."

This is the first time the group has sent a shipment of supplies. The goods were distributed among four orphanages this past week by Ukrainian OBI staff members.

"This is one of the best shipments we have ever sent," said Bob Fox, manager of international shipping with OBI. "This was a customized load that is a great benefit to the orphans."

Curtis and Tamara plan to make another trip to Ukraine to see their items in use and visit the children at the orphanages.

"It has been a joy to participate in this outreach effort for orphans in Ukraine," Tamara said. "We were certainly blessed above and beyond our hopes and expectations."

For more information about Orphan's Promise, click here. Read more about the couple's story here.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: Operation Blessing is helping to transform the futures of children like these by providing clean water, education assistance, nutritional feeding programs, medical care and more. Please make an online contribution toward OBI's Orphan's Promise today and help us continue to reach those in need.