First up on the agenda: Babies. Little Flowers’ baby homes in Taiyuan and Beijing have been hit by a massive outbreak of scabies. This itchy skin condition, while not exactly harmful, causes severe itching and is highly contagious. The staff is taking all necessary measures to prevent it from spreading, but they still need our help.

Right now they remain in dire need of the following:

-    Infant clothing (one piece with long sleeves preferred, cotton made preferred)
-    Disposable diapers
-    Disposable gloves
-    Laundry detergent
-    Hand sanitizer
-    Cotton made bedding sheets or blankets
-    Big plastic bags for sealing used clothes, bedding and cloth diapers
-    Funding for new work uniforms (about RMB 45 each), new washer and dryer (so they can wash with hot water and dry on high heat), treatment (for 28 babies, 45 staff members) and carpet cleaning (RMB 700 for the big carpet, RMB 350 for the smaller one)

If you have any of these items, please contact Malaika Hahne at malaika@littleflowerprojects.org as soon as possible. You can also make cash donations on their website: www.littleflowerprojects.org/help

In happier news, Roundabout has finally settled upon a (hopefully) more permanent home. Founder Leslie Simpson has just notified us that their reopening is taking place tonight; besides tantalizing bargains on furniture, art supplies, CDs and electronics, Bread of Life Bakery will also be presenting its menu of freshly baked delights.

Roundabout Reopening
When: Saturday, Feb 18 from 9.30am-5.30pm
Where: At their old location – Opposite the East Gate of the International School of Beijing, 10 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District (for directions in Chinese, call 137 1805 3814)

Meanwhile, their donation center next to the retail store is already open and accepting donations, Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. By the way, notice that the charity has dropped the words “Charity Distribution Store” from their title and is now known simply as “Roundabout.”

Simpson explains: “We wish to send out the message that Roundabout itself is not the end receiver when you donate via us. Your donations are either forwarded to charities that are registered with us (48 in Beijing and many more throughout China) or sold to raise money to help those in need.”

And finally, please note that the Migrant Children’s Foundation’s TV Show Quiz Night has relocated to Caffe Camardo in Sanlitun’s International Wonderland. Form teams of 2-5, show off your knowledge and win fun prizes. Entry also includes drink deals and complimentary snacks – and let’s not forget that proceeds benefit charity.

MCF’s TV Show Quiz Night
When: Saturday, Feb 18 at 7pm
Where: Caffe Camardo, 38-4 International Wonderland, Xindong Lu 新东路首开幸福广场38-4号 (call 134 3953 1139 for directions)
Price: RMB 50 (includes drink deals and complimentary snacks)