The Russell Home for Atypical Children is our featured charity for the 4th quarter of 2008. Located in South Orlando, the home has been in operation for over 50 years without any government support.

Considered the first non-profit institution in the country for brain-damaged children, the facility was created Nov. 13, 1951, when Mrs. Vantrease "Grandma" Russell opened her home to the first child to "see if it would work out." Since then, the home has opened its doors to hundreds of youngsters, sometimes after hearing pleas from desperate parents, and in more than one instance, finding them just left on the doorstep.

The home consists of a nursery, dormitory wing, playrooms, living room areas, kitchen and large laundry room. The nursery, decorated with bright colors, posters and plush stuffed animals, provides a cheerful atmosphere. However, if you're fortunate enough to visit, bring plenty of tissue as you will find you won't have a dry eye. The love found in this home, expressed through the eyes, sounds, and smiles from the children will make you count your blessings for the simple things in life.

The Russell Home is the only private, non-profit facility of its kind for severely handicapped children in Central Florida. For more information log onto: The Russell Home.

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Past Featured Charities

Boys Town

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2008 Summer Quarter

The Central Florida Zoo

March 2008

Give Kids The World Village (GKTW)

December 2007

The American Red Cross of Central Florida

November 2007

The Coalition for the Homeless

Contact Muffet Robinson at (407) 426-1255 or via e-mail at muffet.robinson@cflhomeless.org

September/October 2007

Children's Home Society of Florida

Contact Sarah Johnston at sarah.johnston@chsfl.org CHS Associate Director of Development, (407) 895-5814

July/August 2007

BETA Center

June 2007

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida

Contact Pam Sible at psible@bgccf.org, (407) 841-6855 Ext. 18