Granite Bay resident Stephanie Haynes will be returning to the orphanage in Sovetsk, Russia, this year. Haynes and a small group went last year to bring supplies and aid to the children of the orphanage through the Tilsit Orphan Education Fund.

This year, Haynes is looking for about 10 volunteers to travel to the area July 13-25 and provide companionship and encouragement to the many children in this underprivileged area. In addition to visiting the orphanage for several days, the group will also visit Svetlogorsk in Russia, and Nida and Vilnius in Lithuania.

Anyone interested in joining the group, should contact Haynes at stephaniehaynes2001@yahoo.de.

"This is a unique opportunity to see a beautiful, untouched part of Europe, get to know people who live very differently from us, and hopefully do some good, as well," says Haynes. "Last year's trip was truly a fascinating and very rewarding experience."

For those willing to help but unable to go on the trip, donations are also needed. Those heading to Sovetsk will bring the items directly to the children. Items needed are volleyball, basketball and ping-pong table nets; a kitchen knife set and potato peelers for the cooks; marbles; popular, dance and children's music CDs; puzzles; teen-oriented posters; card games and regular playing cards; a poster-size map of the world; crayons, craft supplies; Polaroid camera(s) with batteries and lots of film; Frisbees; and a guitar. Financial donations are also accepted, of which 100 percent are given to the orphanage.

To donate items, contact Haynes. Monetary donations should be sent to Tilsit Orphan Education Fund, 1423 S. Higley Road, Suite 127, Mesa, Ariz. 85206, Attn.: Brenda

As an ongoing fund-raiser, Haynes is also collecting used printer cartridges (laser or inkjet), used cell phones and used laptop computers for recycling. Contact Haynes for donation information.