Yuma resident helps area orphans

Convinced all people have a connection either physical, emotional or spiritual, a Yuma law enforcement agent has started a nonprofit group to improve the lives of  orphanage children.

Victor Valentin, a Yuma resident and a federal agent, along with his wife, Yomary, launched VIP For Christ Orphans Ministry in June to support orphans at two nearby orphanages.

"It was mainly my Christian faith that motivated me," Valentin said. "My involvement was something I had in my heart a long time. I heard a message on KCFY a couple of years ago about helping orphans so I decided I wanted to get involved."

KCFY 88.1FM, the Yuma Christian broadcast station, broadcasts a steady message that life has more to offer than material rewards, which moved Valentin to start his charitable work, he said.

Valentin noted there are 143 million orphans across the world and 118,000 children in need of adoption in the U.S.  He said he hopes his efforts can make a difference to bring them a greater measure of happiness. And through VIP, he began to organize car washes at Rally's Hamburgers parking lot to support Fundacion Emanuel, an orphanage in Mexicali, Mexico.

But it was public service messages promoting the car washes on KCFY that brought VIP to the attention of Agua De Vida, another orphanage, in Ciudad de Morelos, just south of Los Algodones, Baja Calif. They appealed to Valentin to help them as well and soon they were the focus of his efforts, he explained.

"That's where we're currently helping orphans, but we don't limit ourselves to Mexico. We want to help people in the U.S., especially because of the economic crisis."

VIP based its angel tree campaign at Revolution Church, which Valentin attends, in order to bring Christmas gifts to orphans at Agua de Vida.

Attaching photos of 32 children on the angel tree, VIP included each child's Christmas wish list, and donors came through with a sack full of presents, which Valentin delivered in person on Christmas. His wife, Yomary, and his two children, Alejandro and Gilmary, also accompanied him. Yomary also prepared Puerto Rican specialties for the orphanage's Christmas dinner, he said.

"When you visit these little children they get all excited to see that someone else cares for them. I feel excited too because there is nothing else as satisfying when you can help someone in need."

Along with gifts, Valentin also brought food, school and personal hygiene supplies, diabetes medication, and funds to help with utilities and building maintenance for Agua de Vida.

Miguel Cota, pastor of Revolution Church, praised Valentin and his wife as an ideal family.

"They love children and are always encouraging them. The church is really happy to help support Victor to go to Mexico, and the angel tree was a good experience for all of us."

Between the two orphanages, Valentin estimates more than 60 children have been assisted through his efforts. In addition, he has also started another charity, VIP Children's Fund. For $18 a month, donors can adopt an individual. Those interested may find more information through his Web page, www.vipforchrist.org.

"It doesn't sound like a lot of money but $18 can go a long ways and provide for a lot of needs."

The Children's Fund has targeted families who have lost their job and cannot provide food, pay rent, or afford medical care for children anywhere, Valentin said.

"We have chosen the name VIP because it means very important person and we know how important children are in Christian ministry. Hopefully everything works out with the new Children's Fund and we'll continue to work with those in need."

William Roller can be reached at wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.