Tolstoy Foundation - Valley Cottage, New York - International Humanitarian Relief

The current political and social circumstances in Russia have reduced many people to living in poverty, including those who, according to previous Soviet standards, had once constituted the middle class. The situation in Russia has seriously affected not only the availability of the most-basic material necessities, but also the standard of life in general. The health care system has collapsed, along with the sanitation system and all acceptable levels of hygiene. Schools, culture, higher forms of education, and standards for

Family in Moscow that the Tolstoy Foundation has helped

normal infancy and childhood have all seriously deteriorated. Pensioners, elderly people living alone, and single mothers are also being driven deeper into poverty and despair.

The Tolstoy Foundation's representative in Moscow, Natalia Davydova focuses her attention on these victims of the new social order by providing modest financial assistance, practical help, home visits, counseling or simply by lending a sympathetic ear to the elderly, the lonely and the forgotten.

Some of the families in Moscow assisted by the Tolstoy Foundation have had nowhere else to turn. Writing to the Foundation for help, they include:

T.D.

"...Our family (with 12 children) operates as a private specialized orphanage for children with neurological disorders. We receive no government assistance...there is not enough money for medical care. Food, clothing, toiletry items alone cost approximately $100 per person per month. It is impossible to provide vocational training for the handicapped children..."

V.K.

" I am 72 years old and have a very small pension. My apartment needs repairs. My daughter, who is a sculptor, lost her job and now works at home making and selling small souvenirs to help bring in some income."

M.Y.

" I am a 76-year-old pensioner and an invalid I have a daughter Marina (adopted) who will be 7 years old. We took her in when she was 7 months old. Her mother died at birth and the father rejected paternity; her maternal grandmother is paralyzed .We are so very grateful to you for your assistance, your kindness ."

T.S.

"My ex-husband is an artist who never provided well for the family in the past. He now barely keeps up with alimony payments .I have 3 children the economic crisis in our country and the high cost of living has taken its toll on our family. The children need better nourishment vitamins."