we gave all our toiletries at the end of our stay. we also took loads of bags of hard boiled sweets for the kids and biros, pens colouring pencils, but dont forget the pencil sharpeners. also paper.

Hi

I have been on the website for the Orphanage and am thinking of taking clothes, paints and colouring books.

Did you visit the Orphanage and what was it like??

Just back from Luxor (Tues 7th Mar). Wife and I did not know to take pens, soap, playing cards until we arrived and seasoned travellers informed us. Biros seem to be much sought after; small bars of soap are popular and we gave both packs of cards at end of stay to a local child. They wanted spent mobile phone top-up cards as they play snap with these so real cards must be a great luxury.

We'll be going back again so these items will be in the cases as well.

Mike

Hi

I've been reading about this topic and would like to know if it is possible to visit the orphanage when on a cruise boat holiday (not staying in Luxor at all)? Is there an escorted visit or do you make your own arrangements? Are there other things - besides the ones mentioned in the previous postings - that would be acceptable?

Jael

Hi Jael

I do not think that there are escorted Tours to the Orphanage, I believe that you just pop in.

I have attached a weblink that provides further information or you could email for further details.

Travellers who have been before, said that it is a really nice experience and that the kids are so lovely.

Hope you get there

Hi,
I live in Luxor & have visited the orphanage many times. You can go on an unescorted visit but only after 2 p.m. any day but not Friday. At present I think they care for approximately 60 children ranging from babies to teenagers. It is managed by 2 English ladies & they do a great job.
I've also become involved with a home for special needs children which is run by the Coptic Christian community here. In my opinion their need is much greater & they have no sponsorship as Sunshine does. I would be happy to collect any items brought by tourists, even take them to visit if possible. Their greatest need in my opinion is a range of sturdy toys to provide stimulation & improve fine motor control. Items that you may purchase for babies & toddlers. It is called "Good Samaritans Coptic Orthodox Society", Tut ankh amon St, Luxor. For more info send me a PM please.

Dear Iberis,

I know you wrote this a while back but I wonder if you could help me please?

I visited Luxor in 1992. I met a Doctor who worked with a Girls' Orphanage in Luxor. Do you know of this Orphanage please?

Thanks.

A.F.

A friend of mine used to visit an orphanage regularly on the West Bank - not sure if this is the same place.

I know she used to take over items of baby clothing.

Will try to find out if it was Sunshine....

CwB

Hi again

Spoke to my friend over the weekend and Sunshine Orphanage is on East Bank on Television Street.

She said they were always inundated with stuff, particularly toiletries and that Thomson always used to ask for donations of any unwanted items left behind at the end of the holiday. But, they didn't ask this time and wonders if perhaps they are sponsoring somewhere else?

CwB

Thank you very much indeed for this.

helloiberis im intrested in this speacial needs place in luxor can yoi give me more info please name and where it is. and a contact number if you have one. thanks.

Hello wildlife & welcome to HT

This link will provide you with all the information that you require, if you have any spare room in your luggage there is a wish list if you can take any items with you, the requested baby milk can only be purchased in pharmacies in Luxor, the nappies can be purchased in supermarkets.

http://www.sunshine-international.org.uk/index.htm

The children are really lovely and if you can visit they will enjoy just a bit of fun playing with you and getting a little attention.

Here are some pictures from my last visit in January -
http://family.webshots.com/slideshow/570044804jAEBcG;jsessionid=abc-aZ0zw3SC584GdZejs

Since then The SunShine Village has been completed and the children and staff now have new purpose built facilities which will make a massive difference.

Graham