2011
CHARITY ORGANIZATION SERBS FOR SERBS
Monthly Report www.SerbsForSerbs.org
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS Website: www.SerbsForSerbs.org E-Mail: Office@SerbsForSerbs.org
Monthly Report No. 12 JuneSeptember, 2011
Monthly Report Dear friends and donors,
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 condition of the households in Serbia, Republic of Srpska and other countries in the Balkan.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs have finally registered in the state of Illinois in United States by the group of the Serbian youth. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs is currently in the process of applying for a 501(c)3 non non-profit organization status. We registered organization in Jun 2010 and we have already started work working and began raising donations. Since this is our fresh start in the United States please excuse us for any difficulties and mistakes that we make in the beginning.
About Us The mission of Charity organization Serbs for Serbs is to affect on consciousness of Americans, Serbs and their friends through planned projects, social and humanitarian activities in order to develop and foster better society for future generations and provide aid ffor underprivileged families in need. Although there are many humanitarian organizations and associations, help often doesn't reach the most jeopardized. Due to unnecessary administration, missing information and slow decision making, the delivery of aid arrives too late to the final consumers, or not at all. It is a sad and embarrassing, but true fact that more than 18.000 children daily die around the world because of starvation and malnutrition. ion. There, among us, the blind and deaf. We are witnesses of the bad demographic situation of our nation, tion, decreasing natality, increasing number of singles, abortions, accelerated aging of the population and generally bad economic
An average couple has "fallen" on one child. Analysts warn that Serbs will become a minority in its own country in the following century if the nation, individuals and government don't wake up from the nescient in which they've fallen! On the other hand, nobody is talking about the families amilies with many children which grieve by living in bitter poverty. Occupied by their everyday struggle for survival, they are being humbly in their desire for implementing rights which belong to them. Their life stories, fears and problems are identical, but almost invisible and unheard in order to gain the attention of the public, media and even state. That's why the idea of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs arose. Organization was formed by a group of young and trustful people, who are united by the common vision of helping families blessed by many children and who are aware of the fact that even a small help means a lot for those who don't live in a material excess. We are united by the humane idea to help the poorest part of the Serbian nation. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs try to revive the spiritless energy of the Serbian Diaspora which would be able to reinforce people of Serbian heritage as well as all good people throughout the world with minimal, but bu constant monthly donations. We hope and believe that there is also a grain of doing good and that you will join us in the endless e struggle against poverty. God bless and save all Serbian families with many children and our honored donors who participate in the noble effort to return smile ile on children faces. CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE! www.SerbsforSerbs.org
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
Ambition
they are ready to help other families - our organization is satisfied with the results - family is ready in the future to become our donor and if necessary help other families that are in need of help
The mission of Charity organization Serbs for Serbs is to affect on consciousness of Serbian people through our projects and humanitarian activities, in order to develop better society for future generations.
Who do we need in organization? We need members and donors that will secure financial stability through supporting our programs and activities in the future. Donors may join our daily activities within the organization in order to coordinate our work better. We also need volunteers ready to donate several hours per week for actual work within the organization. Activities of volunteers and their specific tasks would be determined by the required projects and their personal interest. From that group of volunteers we would look for future leaders of organization.
Why Serbs for Serbs? We wanted to alleviate impaired spirit of Serbian people in togetherness and brotherhood help through humanitarian work and social aid. Who do we help? We help Serbian families who live in the Balkans, have five or more children and live in terrible poverty. How do we define “terrible poverty�? Under terrible poverty we define absence of one or more basic factors required for living: food, clothes, shoes, and safe space for living. Why do we help? We believe that there is a basic need for one human (or a group) to help others in distress. A help is not only human virtue but also a Christian responsibility. By focusing our help on families with many children, we directly affect on their stirring toward becoming independent from socialdependable government programs. Indirectly, we want to affect on birth rate of Serbian people that has been in great decline in last 20 years.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs North America - Report number 11.
What are our long term goals? - family is ready to support itself daily and manage to pay all required expenses and bills - their children are encouraged to continue with school and raising their own family - our donors are satisfied with the activities and
szsamerika@gmail.com
Now we need your help more than ever, we need volunteers who will help with website, translations and marketing. If you have enough free time please send us an email at:
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report JUNE: SFS HELPED KESAR FAMILY IN REPUBLIC OF SRPSKA
On Sunday, 12th June, Charity organization Serbs for Serbs visited family Kesar who lives in the village Jutrogošta on Kozara mountain, some 15 km away from Prijedor. The family has eleven members, and they live in extremly difficult conditions. Their house is miles away from the main road, school, church, and store, and no one is interested in helping them. However, the members of this family are smiling all the time, because their house is full with children, they are fighters and have a hope that tomorrow will be better. They were thrilled to welcome us, because they haven't had help for a very long time. The family consists of mother Zorka (52), sons Dragan (30), Dragoslav (29), Miroslav (28) and Rajko (16), and daughters Dragica (22), Ljubica (17), Rajka (15), Marijana (12) and Ružica (11), as well as daughter-in-law Nikolina (37). A relatively new house was built by the municipality 10 years ago, but it still needs to be finished. They are using only ground floor, and even there they need parquet, but they are not complaining. No one in the family has a job, and their only guaranteed income is 280 KM pension, which they continue to receive after the death of the father of the family, who died 6 years ago. They will receive the pension until the youngest girls finish their education. They are working for a wage, but it is not a certain source of income. They are doing everything they can to survive. The largest expences are related to food and the tickets for the bus which the youngest use to go to school. They have a cow and a goat and some poultry, but they lack of
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 flour, because a sack lasts for 8 days. A monthly ticket for one child is 30 KM, and the children have to walk through the forest, to get to the nearest station. After they finish the elementary school, they will need to go to Prijedor to high school, which will increase the expences. Must we mention that all the children are good pupils?!
We decided to provide some basic groceries for them. We bought 125 kilos of flour, 10 kilos of rice, 20 packages of pasta, 10 l of oil, 10 kilos of sugar, some meat products and sweets for the youngest. We also bought some hygiene products. In total, we spent 493 KM in the action. Stores „Meat house Bojić“ and „Tadić“ from Prijedor joined the action and provided some meat and fruit. As far as future actions, the Kesar family needs a washing machine or a wooden stove. The oldest son, Dragan, told us he has a chainsaw and a cable to draw the wood. They also have a tractor, but they need additions to work on the land. They have wanted to build a greenhouse for a long time. The statement of the youngest son Rajko left us speechless. He said that he would like a church near their house. When we asked him why, he said that it would be an impetus for the people to start coming back, the school would be opened again, and everything would be better. The sad story of the dying Serbian villages goes on every day, but the families like the Kesars bring us hope, because they are the last bastion. That bastion is fragile, and it needs help and firm support to regain its strength!
Report: Friends from Prijedor, Republic of Srpska
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
SERBS FOR SERBS IN RAŠKA AGAIN
From June 17 until 19, the activists of the Charity Organization Serbs for Serbs realized the great charity action in Raška oblast, in Novi Pazar area. This is the second charity action in Raška in the last three months (the first was conducted in March), and the activity was financed by our representatives in America. We helped six Serbian families, and the amount was 2.000 eur. We provided: − 1 refrigerator – 31.000 dinars − 6 lambs – 49.000 dinars − 2 beds – 34.600 dinars − 1 shower cabin – 13.000 dinars − 1 kitchen sink and additional kitchen elements – 12.000 dinars − the equipment for the entire bathroom – 39.000 dinars and 5.000 dinars for the plumber and the ceramist − 1 printer-scan machine for the brotherhood in the Monastery ðurñevi Stupovi – 11.615 dinars
In Vidovo, the village near the Monastery ðurñevi Stupovi, we visited the Vidojević family – a young couple Dragiša and Svetlana with their six children: Suzana (15), Čedomir (13), Jovan (11), Jovana (10), Teodora (8) and Danilo (4). Svetlana is a housewife, and father Dragiša sells woods. We bought a refrigerator for them. The Popović family from Novi Pazar (Deževo road) consists of the sick mother Radmila, Sanja, mentally retarded Saša (18) and Sandra (22). The oldest daughter Sanja (23) is taking care of her family. She has worked in a textil factory for six years. We bought a bed and a shower cabin for them, since they had only the toilet and a shower tap in the bathroom.
Total amount: 195.215 dinars We decided to buy groceries for the remaining amount of 4.785 dinars. The first family we helped was the Jajić family from Tušimlje. Želimir and Branka live with their three sons in a small rusty house. We bought two sheep and a ram the previous time, but since we noticed they have great desire to grow sheep, we got another three for them. We were happy to hear that their oldest son Jordan is cured from the severe liver disease. We provided them help in the amount of 23.000 dinars.
The Božović family lives in a Jalija colony in Novi Pazar, and the household consists of 8 members. Father Radojica has been a widower for four years, and he lives with his children Stefan (13), Ivan (10), Jelena (10) and Anñela (4). Radojica's parents and his older brother live with them. Radojica's mother is preparing modest meals for all of them. They don't have a bathroom, so we provided the means to build one, in the amount of
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report 32.000 dinars (bathtub, toilet, mirror, shower tap, and the bathroom tiles will be delivered later, and we will pay additional 7.000 dinars for them). The children never went on an excursion. Little Anñela never met her mom. Radojica is occasionally working for a bakery (delivering the bread) in Novi Pazar, but the main sorce of income are the two pensions.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 We didn't find the sixth family in their home. It is the family of Srdan Vuksanović (who works in the Public utility company), who lives with his wife and five daughters in a small house (one room and a bathroom). Our activists from Novi Pazar, Ivan and Boško, went to see him, and they witnessed the difficult situation of this family. We decided to get them a sofa, sink and kitchen elements. We expect to get the bills for these soon. We also met family Kljajić who lost its house in the floods in May. Father Gerasim told us they are the true christian family, and that he commenced an action of collecting the money to build them a house. The Kljajićs lent the money and bought a lot in the suburbs of Novi Pazar. They have 2 daughters. The only income is 16.000 dinars which the mother earns as a cleaning lady in the city hospital. Over half of the salary is being paid for the credit. We will try to organize an action of collecting the money to build them a new home.
In the village Kučevo we visited the household of the Gvozdenović family, in which Dino (18) and Dragan (16) live with their sick grandmother Ruža (75), in a rusty house which doesn't have water. The mother left the boys when they were little, and their father died suddenly last year. Due to the difficult material situation, Dino left school. Ruža received 2 sheep from her sister, and we provided 3 more, so Dino and Dragan are prepared to start growing them. The total amount of help is 26.000 dinars.
The pillar of all our actions in Raška area is the Monastery ðurñevi Stupovi, so we decided to help them as the sign of gratitude for the help in our actions. We bought a printer-scan machine. We can't thank them enough for the accomodation, food, car and all the other services provided by the Monastery.
Our message to all of us is that our brothers and sisters will never remain alone. We call upon the people of good will once again to join our activities, and give money and material donations, because., before God, yours is only you gave someone else.
Report: Bojan Ilić, Mihailo Makanjić, Serbia
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report SFS PRESENTED SERBIA IN VIENNA
On Saturday, 18th June, Austrian Charity organization Serbs for Serbs, in cooperation with the Serbian Cultural-Artistic Society Karañorñe, presented Serbia in the frame of inter-cultural family manifestation WienWirbel, by preparing the Serbian breakfast, as well as the photo-presentation and folklore show, performed by the children ensemble of KUD Karañorñe. We collected the humble charity help in the amount of 73 EUR. Eight other organizations, apart from ours, presented their cuisine specialties and folklore tradition.
We would like to thank two young girls, the volunteers on the Serbian stand. The stand was decorated with the Serbian flag, and the photos of Serbian cities, monasteries (Visoki Dečani, Gračanica and Studenica) and natural beauties of Serbia. The guests of various nationalities had the opportunity to try homemade bread,
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 pone, cheese pitta, Serbian ajvar, salami, cheese, sirloin and sour cream. Bying a breakfast represented the opportunity to try home-made rakija from Čačak, which caused interesting reactions from our Austrian fellows.
Some time before 11 o'clock, the children's ensemble of Karañorñe held a folklore show „Dance from Šumadija“, with accordionist, which left the audience excited. We use this opportunity to thank them for their great support and the contribution to the manifestation "WienWirbel".
We hope that we have sent a message to all the Serbian communities worldwide to follow this example, and represent their country and their nation, and show charity. We would like to greet all the donors and friends of our organization in Austria and worldwide.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report SFS VISITED AND HELPED 4 FAMILIES
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 modesty. They have the income of 8.000 dinars, the debt for the utility bills is 40.000 dinars, but despite that, they didn't want our help, and kept repeating that there are people who need help more than they do. After that, we visited the village Ravno Selo and the Danjek family, our old acquaintances. We had no choice but to get them the necesarry groceries in the amount of 20.000 dinars. They have no income, the father Saša is unemployed, but he manages to find a job now and then. They should finish building the barn, after what we could bring them several animals
On Tuesday, June 21, a five-member expedition of the Charity Organization Serbs for Serbs visited four families in northern Serbia: Milutinović, Danjek, Majkić and Došen-Konc.
Our final stop was family Milutinović, whom we also helped several times before. We brought 2 goals for small football, wardrobe, bedclothes, footwear, toys and sweets for the children. Our team was beaten once more in a traditional match between us and the Milutinovićs. We helped the family several times by providing them animals (sows, goats, hens), and they managed to double it. However, there is moisture in the room where they live, the beds are old and ruined, there are no enough closets, so we need to get them some of those things the next time we come.
The help we provided this time was wardrobe, bedclothes, footwear, toys and sweets for the children, some basic groceries in the amount of 20.000 dinars (flour, oil, sugar...). We also aimed at getting to know the families, and making the plan for the possible help. The first family we visited was Došen-Konc from Novi Sad, consisting of mother Ivana and her five children: Kristijan (16), Iva (14), Aleksandar (11), Viktor (7) and Vesna (1). After meeting the family, we found out that all the children are good pupils, and that they are talented for music, they are attending the music school, but the finances are on their way. Of their modest 20.000 dinars of income, they are spending 10.000 for the rental of the apartment. The problems keep coming on – the beds, washing machine, refrigerator, but also the debts to the bank, books for the children, transportation tickets... We were able to see that the problems are increasing. We felt great disappointment because we couldn't provide sufficient help, but we had to move on, and continue with our journey. We are certain that we will come back and try to make their life easier. The next family we visited is the Majkić family from Bački Jarak – father Milivoje, mother Biljana and the children Mirjana (18), Milica (15), Marina (14), Miljana (13) and Ilija (10). We were pleasantly surprised by their
We were filled with emotions on our way to Belgrade, knowing that our presence made the day more beautiful for those families.
Report: Mladen Matijašević
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report SFS FOR VIDOVDAN ON KOSOVO AND METOHIJA
In our first Vidovdan action, the representatives of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs from Belgrade visited on 26th of June the holy Serbian land and visited and helped three socialy endangered families with 10 children in total. We delivered help in the amount of 1.250 EUR. The action was conducted in the wider common endeavour, during which our friends from the Serbian Society Zadužbina, Serbian Orthodox Youth Innsbruck also conducted their Vidovdan charity actions.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 9ounda in March 2004. However, it still defiantly stands there, despite people and time. At the moment, the biggest credits go to the six sisters in the monastery. Before we started our Vidovdan action, we found out that the sisters need an equipement for the kitchen, and it was another reason for us, apart from the pilgrim one, to visit the sanctuary. After kissing the relics of Saint Joanikije of Devič, we heard several details that disturbed us. The representatives of KFOR, who are still in charge of keeping the sanctuary, are ending their mandate at the end of the year, and after that, the monastery remains unprotected in the sinister Drenica area. The monastery needs another 150m of wall, so that it could be completely surrounded by wall, and connected to the gate. It also needs security cameras and a barb wire, so the sisterhood of the monastery could get at least an image of security. We expect from one of our fraternal association to start the project of equipping the kitchen and building the wall, and we use this opportunity to send an appeal to everyone to help securing the sanctuary. We expect to get more details soon.
The help we delivered consisted of: − 4 beds − 4 chairs − a kitchen sink − dinner table − 2 refrigerators − kitchen water heater − a small dining table − 3 packages of groceries − a package of clothes Early in the morning we arrived in our old destination, in Kosovska Mitrovica, where we were welcomed, as usual, by our friends from the charity organization “The Mother of Nine Jugovićs”. We use this opportunity to thank them for their help, without which this action wouldn’t be successfully finished. We commenced our action by visiting one of the greatest sanctuaries in Kosovo and Metohija, the Devič monastery. The monastery has been frequently destroyed in its history, and especially during the
Stolić from Ugljare
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report After those disappointing news from the Devič monastery, we went to visit the first out of three families.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 another persons, although most of them are socialy endangered and displaced only nominally.
We visited family Stolić from the village Ugljare, whom we also visited during out Eastern action just two months ago. We decided to help them again, because they have five juvenile children, and we must provide them support whenever we can. The Stolić family thanked us for the help we provided last time. We decided to get them a small dining table, a refrigerator, kitchen water heater and a sink.
One year old Lazar Mihajlović
The family Mihajlović we visited in the settlement lives in such uncertainity. The house of Nenad and Jadranka, and their sons Luka (3) and Lazar (1) is almost completely empty, although it is new. They only have an old bed and a cradle. It was very difficult for us to decide what to get them, because they need virtually everything! We also had to try not to exceed the amount we had at our disposal, so we decided to get them one bed, a kitchen sink, dinner table and four chairs. They don’t have electricity in the house, so we couldn’t get them any of the kitchen appliances. However, we were happy to find out that there a lot of children in the settlement, over three per household on average.
Kristina and Strahinja Miladinović
After that we went to Gračanica, where we visited remaining two families. First, we stopped by at the Miladinović family, at the entry of Gračanica. The parents Sanja and Milan live with their three children: Kristina (11), Strahinja (8) and Milica (3) in terrible conditions. The house is full of moisture, it has no bathroom, nor the water in the house. Therefore, Strahinja got kidney disease. We could only deliver three beds and a refrigerator to this family. Our friends from “The Mother of Nine Jugovićs” told us that another 10oundation should build a bathroom for the Miladinović family. Their lives should be improved at least a little bit after that. The only positive thing that the Republic of Serbia has done for its people in Kosovo and Metohija is the newly built settlement not far away from the Miladinović family. There are about 30 houses, in which the displaced persons live, but their rights to live there are being disputed. The settlement was built for the socialy endangered displaced persons, but they live in fear that someone might move them out and give the houses to
After saying goodbye, and the purchases in the furniture store “Kristal” and the store of the household appliances “Gorenje”, which we thank again, we finished the action, which was very modest by our judgement. The aim of the action was to bring joy to the homes of our heroes from Kosovo and Metohija in the eve of the celebration of one of the biggest national holidays, when our heroes more that six centuries ago led their battle against the enemies. On Vidovdan 1389 we won the battle, but lost the war. Today we loose the battles, but our Lord Jesus Christ will help us win the war. Therefore, we defiantly say that there is NO SURRENDER, and that we will win the war this time!
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
With the faith in God, Predrag Marinković
Monthly Report JULY
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 FIRST SFS CHARITY PARTY IN CHICAGO
SUCESSFUL PARTY IN ZURICH
On Friday, July 1, in Zurich club JIL, Serbs for Serbs from Switzerland held the second consecutive charity party „Dance for Balkan“. DJ Mlaña and DJ Filip were responsible for the good atmosphere, and like the previous time, the boys and girls of KUD Nikola Tesla from Ušter made a surprise by their performance. Every guest received a chaplet by bying the ticket, as a sign of our gratitude for their contribution to our fight against the „white plague“. Everyone was thrilled! We raised 3.650 franks at the party, and when we paid the costs, the total sum which was left is 2.930 franks, which will be paid to the SfS bank account, and used in our future actions. The expences: - DJ Mlaña 500 franks - flyers and posters 100 franks - chaplets 100 eur (approximately 120 franks)
July 03, 2011. Last night Charity organization Serbs for Serbs from USA organized first Charity party in Chicago in Ladybug Bookstore & Caffe (this is the only Serbian Bookstore in Chicago). Key to a very successful party and good vibe was our DJ Petko. Suggested donation was $10 and we raised total of $1200,00. ($1100,00 party donations + $100,00 regular monthly donation from Krajiska Braca Indiana)
We use this opportunity to thank Mr. Uglješa Marsenić, who gave us the space, and financially covered great part of the organization of the party. We would also like to thank the staff of the club, the members of the KUD Nikola Tesla from Ušter, Mrs. Monika K, Mr. Zlatko Gavrilović and Mr. Vladica Miletić, who helped with their donations of 300 franks and 100 eur. We thank them all wholeheartedly, and invite all of you to follow the work of our organization until the next gathering!
Report: Dušan ðaković
THE CHILDREN ARE OUR FUTURE!
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 website of the organization: www.SerbsForSerbs.org and www.SrbiZaSrbe.org
APPEAL Humanitarian organization Serbs for Serbs is calling for a general mobilization of all our friends, members, donors and good people all over the world to gather in the coming days about just one goal and that is survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija which is currently subject to unprecedented pressure from military forces to surrender and subdue the invaders.
To join this appeal and make a donation, visit our website (www.SerbsForSerbs.org) or PayPal account szsamerika@gmail.com and purchase our t-shirt “NO SURRENDER�.
Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, currently threatened with a total humanitarian disaster because the forces with their blockades caused a shortage of bread in bakeries, a shortage of fruit and vegetable in markets, shortage of medicines in pharmacies, a shortage of oxygen and medical supplies in hospitals ... Water restrictions have also begun... and above all, more than ever, there is no freedom for Serbs? Charity organization Serbs for Serbs appeals publicly for a worldwide Serbian unity to save and preserve our people in the southern Serbian province and region’s sovereign identity. The organization will do absolutely everything in its ability to provide necessary humanitarian aid to Serbs in northern Kosovo and Metohija. There is no time to wait any longer. As of today, the humanitarian organization Serbs for Serbs begins collecting funds that will be used for delivery of essential aid to the endangered Serbian people in the north of Kosovo and Metohija. We plan to alert all our friends around the world to engage in this appeal to collect the necessary financial resources and thus partially try to alleviate the newly created humanitarian disaster.
With the faith in God, Charity organization Serbs for Serbs
Serbs for Serbs invites our sister charities and social organizations to join us, to support us and to organize in their ranks and alert their members in their communities. Action speaks louder than anything; from protesting, crying and grieving there is no benefit or use as we have seen and experienced this over the past 20 years in this region. We truly hope we will not be alone in this appeal and action to help Serbian people. Serbs for Serbs would also like to invite all forms of media to convey this statement of our organization and contribute so this appeal is heard around the world and actions are taken.
All plans, actions and financial reports about delivered humanitarian aid to the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija will be available and accessible on the official Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report AUGUST: NO RETREAT, NO SURRENDER!
No retreat, no surrender! Those words led brave, bold and determined representatives of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs, during the biggest charity action up to now (12th in a row) on Kosovo and Metohija. It was a concrete answer to the intensifying pressures to the Serbian people last month, led by the international community, in coordinated action with the proven terrorists. The aid we delivered, in the amount of over 1.2 milion dinars (approximately twelve thousand EUR), proves that the obstacles set by the occupiers, couldn't undermine our determination to visit and help the most endangered Serbs south of the Ibar river. In this action, planned in detail, and conducted with much effort, we provided help for 27 families, 62 elementary school pupils from Osojane and Klina, the ambulance in Osojane and the library in the same place. We have had concrete help from our fraternal organizations SPO(J)I and Saint Sava Youth from Subotica, with the great number of donors worldwide! The list of the help we provided in the action: -10 beds -20 chairs -2 kitchen tables -2 closets -1 double-decker bed -4 carpets -2 kitchen sinks -1 (big) mattress -6 refrigerators -4 freezers -7 electric stoves -3 wood stoves -5 washing machines -2 vacuum cleaners -2 water heaters (80l) -water pump and pipes -1 gristmill
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 -3 goats -a package of elementary medicine and sanitary material for the ambulance -money donation for the 62 pupils -50 books for the library -packages of the hygiene (donation from „Henkel“)
Early in the morning a three member team started the biggest action so far. We experienced the first nuisance upon our arrival to the administrative line. It is a consequence of the existing whims of the imperialists, who are used to manifest them upon Serbs on a regular basis for centuries. It caused the feeling of anger, infirmity, sorrow, despise and defiance at the same time. After several words, which we were forced to pronounce in foreign language in our own country, while we were waiting for the irritating raid to finish, we continued towards Zvečan. Our great friends from the charity organization „The mother of nine Jugović“ were waiting for us. Like countless times before, we would like to thank them from our hearts for the help they gave us, and for the participation in the realization of our action, because it wouldn't be possible without them. We planned to visit the Kosovo Pomoravlje during the first day, that is, the surroundings of the municipalities Novo Brdo and Kosovska Kamenica. Aware of the fact that we needed to visit up to 15 families a day, we conducted very short and efficient visits in order to fulfill all our goals. We initially visited the families in the village Božovice. The first family we visited was the Filić family, consisting of the single father and two minor daughters: Sanja (11) and Slañana (9). This family has experienced a tragic event recently – the mother of the girls commited suicide, which additionally made their poverty difficult. We were very emotionaly touched, so we
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report decided to provide them a maximum of help. The family received: an electric stove, bed, closet, refrigerator and three carpets. At the other side of the village we visited a five-member family Milenković, consisting of mother, grandmother and three children: Marko (19), ðorñe (16) and Jovana (11). The situation wasn't so critical as in the previous case, but the poverty is overwhelming. We provided the washing machine and a bed for them.
Our next stop was the village Lještar. The village is predominantly Albanian, and there are only several isolated Serbian houses. One of them is a house of the returnee family Canić. A single father is fighting through life with his son Marko (14). They live in very difficult conditions, so we expressed our support and bought a washing machine and a refrigerator for them. They were grateful for our visit so much, that they gave us the last bottle of juice for our journey. One should be ready to face so emotional moments we face, without losing the spirit. It is difficult not to express the sorrow for the situation in which our people live.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 We went to the village Bara, in which we visited three families in the neighborhood. The first family we visited was a four-member Filić family, consisting of parents and the daughters Vanja (16) and Milica (15). After we saw the conditions in which they live, we decided to get them a bed and a washing machine.
In the next house we found a dozen children, four of them being the children of Sreten Ristić: Snežana (13), Jovana (10), Miloš (7) and Ivan (6). For a brief moment we interrupted the birthday party of one of the children. After talking to the parents and children, we saw a disturbing picture – the children at the party didn't have a decent chair to sit on. I compared that to the „needs“ of some spoiled children in Belgrade. Thus we decided to provide plenty of things in order to help the family: two beds, four chairs, a refrigerator, a carpet and the water heater.
We also visited the family of Sreten's brother, the parents and two children, Jovan (10) and Jovana (8). We provided four chairs, a refrigerator, one bed and wood stove for this humble family.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report In the village Ajnovce we visited a four-member family of Jovan Paunović. There are no younger members, since the family consists of Jovan, his wife, 37-year old son and their cousin, who is a disabled person (without legs). Although there are no children, due to a complicated situation, we decided to get them a washing machine.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 pump and the necesarry equipment for their household. The family of the older brother has five children: Milica (18), Maja (16), Stefan (14), Nikola (9) and Saša (3). We bought for them an electric stove, two beds and a refrigerator. It is good for those families to support each other, and to stick together, because they are in an Shiptar enviroment.
Near Kosovska Kamenica we visited the village Gologovci, in which we found family Menković at the end of the village, in highly unapproachable place. Miloš (22) lives with his parents. They are very happy and smiled, and they were glad to see us coming, because people rarely come to visit them. They told us that a vast majority of woods and meadows are Serbian property, but that the security situation, namely the aggressiveness of the local Albanians, prevents them from using their properties. That is another example of how the existential problems of Serbs fail to reach those who live north of the Ibar river, and talk about peace, democracy and tolerance. We bought a washing machine for the Menković family. In Močare village we visited a five-member family Dodić. There are three children in the family: Sandra (20), Milica (18) and Aleksandar (17). When we arrived, only the mother was at home. We decided to get them a freezer. Another hostile place. At the entrance of the village Donja Šipašnica we found the graffiti of the support for the terrorist UCK and their patrons USA. We visited the houses of two brothers Janković. There are 14 members in total, of which eight children.
The last village we visited on that day was Korminjane, in which we helped three families. The third community used to consist of the families of two brothers ðorñević. Unfortunately, one of the brothers tragically died several months ago while he was working, and he left behind a wife (without any income), and a son Ognjen (2). The whole family is still suffering for their lost. We decided to get them a freezer, and we also bought an electric stove for the family of the older brother, who is living with his wife and parents. That marked the end of an exhausting day.
The family of younger brother has three children: Jovana (5), Mihajlo (2) and Filip (1). We provided a water Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report The second part of the action commenced the following day. This time it was in the area of Metohija. The representative of the famous rap groups „Belgrade union“ and „Fantastic four“, Boško Ćirković Škabo and our friend, the journalist of „Novosti“ Dragana Zečević, joined the expedition Once in Metohija, our first stop was infamous Drenica, where we visited the Devič monastery. One can say that Drenica is a museum at the open, dedicated to the terrorist UCK. The monastery has, throughout its history, felt the bloodlust of the Shiptars from that region, and it has felt the calvary with the sisterhood in the pogroms in March 2004. Within the monastery we found the people from the Institute for Cultural Heritage Preservation, who were conducting restoration of the the burned frescoes. Although we were happy to see that, the workers didn't sound so optimistic, because the frescoes were poured with gas and burnt. There are also traces of bullets, similar to the work of the communists in Serbian sanctuaries after the Second World War.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 of the new school year. The most famous member of our team, Škabo, who made the children joyful, gave his cd to each of them. We also donated about 50 books to the school library, provided by Mr. Bane and his friends.
After visiting the elementary school, we continued visiting the families. In the neighboring village Koš we visited five families. The whole region of Osojane has been very damaged during the aggression in 1999, and almost all the villages were distroyed. The current situation is better then in the region of Kosovo Pomoravlje, because the houses are newly built for the returnees from central Serbia. The first family in our list was the family Lacmanović. It has five members, including three sons: Milan (23), Nikola (21) and Toplica (13). The conditions in their house were satisfactory, so we gave them a kitchen table.
After visiting the sanctuary, we headed to Osojane. There we received a welcome from Gabrijel, who was our host, and without whom this part of the action couldn't be fulfilled. He prepared everything in the field in advance, and we use this opportunity to thank him. The first part of the help for this enclave consisted of the elementary medicine and sanitary material for the local ambulance in the amount of around 100.000 dinars. The employees expressed warmly thank for the help, which will be of great importance in the following period. The second part of the activity in Osojane was conducted in elementary school Radoš Tošić, where we were welcomed by approximately 45 pupils (of 62 in total), from the first to the eight grade. After meeting them, we started delivering money donations in the amount od 2.000 dinars for each, for the succesful start
We found similar condition in the neighborhood, in the house of Marko Tošić, who is living with his wife and sons Miroslav (20) and Miodrag (15). We bought a three-winged wardrobe for this family. Family Radovanović has five grown-up members, and the youngest Božica (32) is with disabilities. Except for the kitchen table, there was no need for further help.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report The family of the single mother Stanica Popović lives nearby. She lives with her children Boban (28), Nataša (23), Slobodan (20) and Stojan (17). We agreed with Stanica that they need a gristmill at the moment. The youngest Stojan was happy because he could take a photo with Škabo.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 Family of Radoš ðurić is a returnee one. They were recently deported from Norway, and now they are trying to get on their feet. Radoš lives with his wife and children Ivona (4) and Lana (1). We decided to provide them a freezer and four chairs. In the exit from Osojane we visited the family of Snežana Dubić who lives with her six children: Igor (26), Velika (21), Leonid (20), Nataša (17), Žarko (11) and Ivana (6). They live very humble. They asked us to provide them an electric stove. On our way to Kosovsko Pomoravlje we visited the village Berkovo, and family of Sava and Ljubinka Banjac, who live with their son Vesko (21). We agreed to get them a freezer and continued to martyr village Staro Gracko.
The last family in Koš we visited is a seven-member family of Zvonko Lazić. He lives with his wife, parents and children Anastasija (8), Aleksandar (6) and Tomica (2). Mainly due to children, we bought several things for them, a kitchen table, four chairs and a refrigerator. Since we were in a hurry, we concluded the action in Osojane, where we visited three families. Family Repanović consists of the parents Zoran and Jelena and their three children: Petar (5), Nikolina (2) and Luka (5 months). Their house is not finished, so they live with Zoran's brother. We decided to get them an electric stove.
Unfortunately, Staro Gracko is known for the terrible crime commited by the Shiptar terrorists on July 1999, when they killed 14 reapers after the withdrawal of the Serbian army and police, although KFOR was already on Kosovo and Metohija. The youngest reaper Novica was 17 years old. In that gloomily village, still resisting the invade of Shiptars, who are trying to buy the houses and estates in and around the vilage, and are constantly provoking, we visited and helped three families. A teacher from the school, and a principal person in the village Zoran Stanković-Uča welcomed us, and helped us while we were visiting the families. We use this opportunity to thank him. The first family we visited was the one of Sonja Živić, who lost a husband in the bloody harvest, and remained with mother-in-law and four children: Ivana (18), Aleksandra (16), Lazar (15) and Zorana (12). We bought: a bed, an electric stove and a vacuum cleaner.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report In the neighborhood we found another family who lost its member in the bloody harvest. Radojica Stojanović lives with his wife Slavica and sons Nemanja (24) and Lazar (14). Radojica told us that his father lost his life during the harvest, and he also described the days before and after that terrorist act, and the role of the international „security“ forces in that event. It provoked another set of feelings of sorrow and anger in all of us. At the end of that long day we visited the family of Jelena Cvejić. She is still mourning her husband Ljubiša, who was one of the victims in the harvest. She is taking care of her three children: Dragiša (20), Aleksandar (18) and Nikola (14). For this tormented family we bought several things: a double-decker bed, a bed, four chairs and a wood stove. This was the last official visit in this project.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 The main purpose of this action (as is the case with the previous ones) is to visit and encourage our Obilićs and czarinas Milica to remain in the holy Serbian land, to support them, and to provide some elementary conditions to relieve the difficult moments they face at least a little bit. The future of Kosovo and Metohija, i.e. the Serbian people depend on the modern crusaders and Serbian enemies. Our organization can continue to make an effort to do whatever it can to be ready for various scenarios and to help our brothers and sisters when they need that the most, as we have done so far. At the end, we want to send a message to individuals, associations, organizations, firms, to continue the fight in all fronts, according to their possibilities, for the preservation of Kosovo and Metohija in Serbia. In order to achieve that, we need to preserve the Serbian people in their centurial homes.
We must also mention that we supplied the means for three goats that will go to the five-member family of Boban Ristić in the village Poneš, who is an employee of one of the charity kitchens, and who we failed to visit this time. Our visit to Kosovo and Metohija was finished the next day, when we attended the holy liturgy in Gračanica monastery, during the celebration of the great holiday of the Assumption of the Theotokos – Velika Gospojina. The conclusion after every visit and the help we deliver is unfortunately the same. The existence of the Serbs, especially after the enormous pressures lately is endangered. The stoves and beds are of little help in crucial moments when the Serbs don't know when the Shiptars will get a green light from its western mentors for the carrying out of their plans for the extermination of the remaining Serbian population.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
With the faith in God, Predrag Marinković
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
SV. NIKOLA, BROOKFIELD, IL
On Saturday, the 27th of August, the Serbian Orthodox Church of Sv. Nikola held it's First Annual "Taste of Serbia" piknik for it's parisheners and neighbors. Since moving to it's new location in Brookfield, one of Chicago's oldest congregations has grown is size almost 4 times over!
It was a great opportunity for Serbs For Serbs to introduce ourselves to some new people, so we set up a tent to provide information about our charity organization and introduce the visitors to our activities and plans. Along with accepting many donations and selling our new "Nema Predaje" shirts, we received a lot of positive feedback along with many new volunteers that want to join and help Serbs For Serbs. We made a positive impression on new people and ran into many who have already visited our website and made donations. It was nice to get a chance to personally thank and speak with donors and get their feedback.
The picnic was a nice gathering of old generation Serbians and lots of children, the main reason for our work. It was nice to see so many kids playing, dancing and enjoying themselves at a Serbian event such as this one. We will definitely continue to visit Sv. Nikola and other Serbian Churches in Chicago.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
HELP FOR THE FAMILY IN NOVI SAD
After visiting the family of Ivana Došen-Konc in June, the representatives of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs decided to visit them again, and try to help them. In our previous conversation with Ivana we realized that they need most a refrigerator and a double decker bed.
We left the family disappointed because we couldn't do more for them.
Thanks to the activist of SfS from Novi Sad, we managed to buy the necesarry things. The family members told us that the oldest son Kristijan (16) took participation in the Trumpet festival in Guča this year. We expect him to become a professional musician very soon, and help his family afterwards. We were also happy to find out that little Vesna almost begun to walk, and that she will get rid of her last diaper very soon.
With the faith in God and better days, Mladen Matijašević
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report TOGETHER FOR THE SERBS IN RAŠKA AREA
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 decided to make an exception and join the action of building the house. Family Komljenović has lost their house during the floods in May, but their friends and the people of good will, but above all, father Gerasim, enabled them to buy a piece of land and start building the house. We managed to provide approximately 1.700 building blocs, of about 3.000 necessary for building external and inner walls in the house.
While waiting for the situation in the north of Kosovo and Metohija to be resolved, and the preparation for the big action of help, the representatives of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs from Belgrade and our branch in the USA, visited and helped four Serbian families in the Raška area – in Novi Pazar and its surroundings.
New house of Komljenović family
We used that opportunity to visit the families Božović and Popović, which we helped in the previous action, as well as the Radomirović family with eight children, for which we found out on the spot.
Upon our arrival in Novi Pazar, we visited the families whom we helped in our previous action, Božović and Popović.
The action was financed by the fraternal organization Old Raška, donating 20.000 dinars, the association of the citizens Gama from Pančevo, donating 20.000 dinars, and the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs – the branch from USA, donating 47.000 dinars.
The Božović family has renovated the bathroom. The Popović family wanted to thank us for the help they received, and Sanja, who is working for all of them, continues to fight for her family. We donated the packages of food and hygiene in the amount of 6.000 dinars per family, and the books.
We delivered the great majority of help to the family of Rade Komljenović, who is building a house. We donated the help in the total amount of 87.000 dinars, which consisted of: - 3 packages of the groceries – 17.000 dinars - 2420 „ginter“ building blocks – 70.000 dinars - 3 packages of the orthodox and folk poetry books. Our primary goal in the action was the delivery of help for the building of the house of the Komljenović family. We set that goal after the appeal of father Gerasim, the prior of ðurñevi Stupovi. Although this family is not the sort of those we help, due to the circumstances, we SFS with Popović family Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 Pazar, we managed to meet the representatives od the „Association of the women and mothers of Raška“. We received an invitation to cooperate in the future, but also several information about the endangered Serbian families with many children. One of those information was crucial for us to visit the Radomirović family, with eight children (Dijana 27, Dejan 25, Tijana 23, ðorñe 20, Nikola 18, Tanja 15, Miloš 14 and Andrijana 12 years old). The family lives in the village, in difficult conditions without water in the house. The mother Zorica told us they were willing to grow a cow. It is a very difficult situation that requires an urgent action. They also need a stove and a refrigerator. The mother washes the laundry every day in a stream, 4 km away from the house. The children have lost two years of their education, because they don't have the means to go to school. We promised to help them the next time we visit Raška. For the time being, we brought a package of groceries, and books for the children.
SFS with Božović family
Groceries
SFS with Radomirović family
During almost all of our actions, we visit the Serbian sanctuaries accross the Balkans. We visited ðurñeve Stupove, Studenica and the Peter Church. With this informal visit to the families and symbolic help, we finished our first and second big charity action in Raška. Bathroom for Božović family
During the action, thanks to our member from Novi
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
With the faith in God, Predrag Marinković
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
SFS VISITED PREMOVIĆ FAMILY AGAIN
During July, Charity Organization Serbs for Serbs with friends from Čačak implemented the new action to help the family Premović from the village Prislonica (near Čačak). This action included the construction of chimney in a home of this family (eight members) so the upcoming winter (and all subsequent) can be pleasant and now they will be able to be heated on the wood.
SFS IN KOSOVO
During the 5th of August, Serbs for Serbs representatives visited all the barricades in Kosovo and supported our people who continue to fight and who are determined to defend our holy Serbian land. The talks were conducted with representatives of our local residents and we got the call for necessary help and support that our charity can provide at this difficult time.
Serbian excavator
Also, we were asked to convey the request of our people from Kosovo not to let misinformation through the Internet to bring unnecessary fear and anxiety.
KOSOVO IS SERBIA – NO SURRENDER! ...................................................................................... Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 Due to the beginning of the school year, Nada, Anñela and Mladen needed school equipment. Thanks to the good people, the organization SfS managed to provide the equipment, but also an electric stove, wardrobe, and some basic groceries (flour, oil, sugar etc.) in the amount of 17.095 dinars. We also bought a birthday cake for little Nada (whose hearing is 90% damaged). She was immensely happy.
SEPTEMBER: SFS ACTION IN VRŠAC
The second family we visited and helped was the family Medić, a single mother Snežana and her seven children: Strahinja (17), Selena (15), Mirjana (11), Miljana (10), Isajlo (8), Miloš (7) and Konstantin (1).
On Sunday, September 11 2011, the representatives of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs visited and helped two socially endangered families in Vršac – Vasić and Medić. We delivered help in the amount of over 70.000 dinars, consisting of school equipment, wardrobe, electric stove and basic groceries. At first we visited the Vasić family – a single mother Gordana and her four children: Jovan (18), Nada (11), Anñela (9) and Mladen (7). Although we have helped this family before, they still have problems. The monthly income of Gordana is about 15.000 dinars, but she occasionally works as a taxi driver in order to provide the basic needs of her children.
The family lives in a small and dilapidated house full of moisture with Snežana's mother Milica who is a retiree, and who is helping them as much as she can. Their income is about 20.000 dinars, and they have to buy five loafs of bread every day. The family has also significant health problems, because Snežana suffered from brain hemorrhage, and Mirjana has severe form of asthma. Nonetheless, this family hopes to survive with the help of God and good people. Snežana is very modest, and she couldn't tell what she needed most. At the end we agreed to pay her debt in the grocery store (8.153 dinars), buy the necesarry groceries (25.136 dinars), and buy the school equipment for excellent pupils. We concluded that this family really needs further help.
With the faith in God and better days, Jelena Čudić Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
SFS IN BOJNIK MUNICIPALITY
After having heard of the difficult situation of two families with many members from the municipality of Bojnik, a four-member team of SfS from Niš and SfsSwitzerland, decided to visit the families Stanković (9 children) and Nikolić (12 children), to get to know their situation and try to find a solution in order to make their life easier. During the visits, we donated elementary groceries and hygiene in the amount of 3000 dinars. The first family we visited was the Stanković family, who is living in the village Donje Konjuvce, several kilometers from the Bojnik municipality. There are nine children in the family: Marko (25, with Daun decease), Maja (23, married), Marina (21, married), Miroslav (15), Sanja (13), Bojan (11), Kristina (9, has a foot deformity from birth; she has had an operation recently, and now is recovering) and twins Nenad and Nemanja (6). They live in a small ruined house, dependent on agriculture. During the summer father Zoran is working as a construction worker in Belgrade. Mother Gorica told us that the family manages to provide food by farming and helping the neighbors around agriculture business. The washing machine would make their life easier, since Gorica is washing the laundry by herself. The freezer is broken, so she is afraid that she won't be able to store the food for the winter. After visiting the family Stanković, we also visited the family Nikolić in the village ðaci near Bojnik. There are twelve children in the family: Milenka (28, married), Miodrag (26), Nenad (25), Srñan (23), Biljana (19), Bojana (18), Mirjana (17), Zorica (16), Granica (14), Jovica (13), Ružica (12) and Goran (11).
They also live on agriculture and on welfare in the amount of 11 000 dinars, but the family isn't receiving children's allowance. Father Stojan was dismissed as redundant from the construction company a few years ago, so he is working now for a wage. They manage to survive thanks to agriculture and Stojan's wages. The Nikolić family lives in a very small house. Six children are sleeping in a small room in three beds, and the rest of them sleep in the kitchen, or at their cousin's who lives nearby. Stojan had the idea of expanding the house, but the difficult financial situation prevents him from buying the construction material. Charity organization Serbs for Serbs made the payment for the necessary help for the families Stanković and Nikolić from Bojnik on September 21. The Stanković family received a washing machine and a freezer, in the value of 50.000 dinars, while the Nikolić family received the material to finish the floor on the house, in the value of 160.000 dinars. We will continue to help the families in Bojnik and in southern Serbia in Octobar.
Report: Friends from Prijedor, Republic of Srpska
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
SFS VISITING THE KESAR FAMILY
On Monday, 12th of September 2011, we delivered help for the second time to the Kesar familly from the village Jutrogošte near Prijedor. We conducted the first action of helping this family in June this year, when we delivered a larger quantity of groceries. We brought a washing machine during this visit, as we agreed with mother Zorica, because the old one was broken. Four of the youngest Kesars are going to school in Prijedor and Knežica, and they travel by bus. However, the closest bus station is 2 km away, and they need to go on foot through the forest. On autumn and winter they need to carry two pairs of wardrobe, because they get muddy until they get to the road. The monthly tickets for the bus are still representing the biggest expense. They cost 56 KM, and the Kesar family needs four of them.
They asked for help from the Prijedor municipality, and they expect to receive a positive answer, in order to make their life easier. We bought some groceries for them again. We bought 4 sacks of flour, 5 litres of oil, 10 packages of pasta and 2 packages of cookies. We spent 563,15 KM, including 435 KM for the washing machine and 128,15 for the groceries. The family wanted to thank to the friends of the organization.
With the faith in God we move on! The friends from Prijedor
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report SFS IN MONTENEGRO AND RAŠKA AREA
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 would come to visit and help them. There are no problems with the majority muslim population, except for some incidents, but it is very important for the Serbs to remain in their homes. The first family we visited was the family of Veljko Pušica, consisting of 7 members: Veljko, his wife Brankica, mother Gorica and children Isidora (10), Teodora (6), Kristina (5) and Dragoljub (9 months old). Dragoljub was sleeping, but the girls were very excited because of our visit, and they prepared two drawings as a thank.
A two-member team of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs visited and helped 6 families with many children in Pljevlje in Montenegro, Brodarevo (Prijepolje), Priboj and Nova Varoš. We delivered help in the amount of 1.100 EUR. The total number of children is 31, and the help we provided consisted of the groceries, hygiene, books, washing machine, dryer machine and a freezer. This was our first visit to the north of Montenegro and this part of the Raška area. In this action we provided: Groceries – 345 EUR Washing machine – 265 EUR Dryer machine – 250 EUR Freezer – 250 EUR Travel costs – 115 EUR Total amount – 1225 EUR
Only the mother Gordana is employed in the kindergarten, although she is currently at the maternity leave. Father Veljko is not permanently employed, but he is working from season to season. They are receiving a child benefit in the amount of 6.000 dinars. Since they grow poultry, and have the basic house appliances, we decided to get them groceries, hygiene, diapers etc. in the amount of 15.000 dinars. The children are attending the orthodox religious education, so we gave them several books of orthodox thematic and fairytales.
The families we helped were: Pušica (4 children), Bujak (4 children) from Brodarevo, Drobnjak (4 children), Stojiljković (4 children) from Pljevlja and Šalipur (5 children) from Priboj, while we only visited the Dimitrijević family with ten children near Nova Varoš, and we agreed about the possible help in the future. On Friday at dawn we headed from Belgrade towards Brodarevo, where we arrived at noon and met our host father Marko, the priest of Brodarevo. Father Marko is teaching religion in several schools in Brodarevo and surrounding area. Brodarevo is on the very border with Montenegro. There are several hundred Serbs in Brodarevo, merely 10% of the inhabitants, which made our visit even more important. Both father Marko and the families couldn't beleive that anyone from Belgrade
We visited another family in the neighborhood, the Bujak family, consisting of father Zoran, mother
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report Svetlana, and children Igor (20), Ilija (14), Ivana (12) and ðurñina (3). The situation is more difficult than in the previous family. Father is the only employed memeber of the family, but he is currently in a hospital in Užice. Igor had a car accident last year, and the doctors had to remove his spleen. However, the family hasn't lost hope. The children are going to school and attending the religious education on a regulary basis, and they were happy to receive the books. We also bought them some groceries in the amount of 15.000 dinars. The family owns a sty, because they used to grow pigs, but after Igor's accident they had to stop, because the costs of treatment and recovery were significant. We therefore agreed to get them a sow the next time we visit them. The family also receives a child benefit for the three children in the amount of 5.000 dinars.
At the end of our visit, we went to the store together, and bought the groceries. The families were very grateful to our organization and the donors, still being in disbelief that someone came to visit and help them from a distant place. We wish to thank father Marko for creating a link between us and the families, and helped us in realizing the action in this area. With God's help, our cooperation will continue.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 Leonid, told us about the situation in Pljevlja, and the position of the Serbian population. He followed us in visiting two families in the town. At first we visited the Drobnjak family. Father Ljubo wasn't at home, so mother Anña welcomed us. They have four children: Jovana (19), Jelena (15), Jana (9) and Jovan (1). The situation is not so bad, because both parents are employed. The mother works in „oposition“ television Pljevlja, and father at a private employer. However, they are renting an apartment. They needed the washing machine, which we provided for 265 EUR, and we also used 35 EUR to buy some groceries, and donated several books.
The next family is a family of the priest Milan Stojiljković. He and his wife Janja live in a church home with their four children: Arsenije (10), Dimitrije (7), Nastasija (5) and Ilija (1). Because of the heavy climate, they needed a dryer machine, which we provided for them, the first time in our practice. The family contributed in buying the machine – they gave 50 EUR, and we provided 250 EUR. Of course, we also donated several books and magazines of orthodox, national, historical and cultural themes.
Early next morning, we continued towards northern Montenegro. This is the first time for our organization to conduct an action in this part of Montenegro, but we hope to come back. We first visited the monastery of the Holy trinity near Pljevlja. The monastery is sheltered in the hills and woods, and the first thing a visitor face is Serbian flag with four firesteels. The monastery is from the 16th century, and it was probably built on the remains of the monastery from the period of Nemanjićs. After the burning of the relics of Saint Sava, what was believed to be his left hand, was placed in the monastery. It is now located in Mileševa. The monastery has beautiful frescoes and treasury and monastery lodging that is worth visiting. The prior to the monastery, father Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report The Serbs constitute a majority in Pljevlja. That provokes the problems with the central government, because the money is not arriving to Pljevlja. Many people lost their jobs. We were very happy to visit northern Montenegro, and we hope to continue helping the Serbian nation in this area. We wish to thank father Leonid who helped us during the action. After that we went to Priboj, where we met Vladimir Ječmenica and Živorad Grabović, who helped us to find a seven-member family Šalipur near Priboj and the Lim river. The members of the family are father Ljubomir, mother Nada and children Miljan (16), Miloš (14), Milica (11), Rada (9) and Marija (6). The family lives in bad conditions without regulary income, except for child benefit for four children in the amount of 8.000 dinars. None of them is permanently employed, but the father is very hardworking person, so he opened a workshop within the house in order to earn some money. Until a few years ago they lived in a slum, but Ljubomir managed to build a new house on his own, but there is moisture in the house. The children attend the religious education,but they are not baptized yet due to the lack of money. The host explained that they need a freezer, which we managed to provide. We spent 25.000 dinars for the freezer.
After the liturgy in the monastery dedicated to Saint Kozma and Damjan in Vodena Poljana on Zlatar, we went to visit a twelve-member family Dimitrijević from the village Jasenovo in Nova Varoš municipality. The family consists of father Mlañen, mother Jovanka and their children: Predrag (24), Jovanka (23), Božidar (21), Darko (18), Vesna (17), Bojana (16), Snežana (15), Slavica (12), Borivoje (11) and Novica (4). The parents are not employed, but the oldest son Predrag is working from season to season in a sawmill, and he is supporting his family. The oldest daughter is married. Their biggest problem is the fact that they don't have water in the
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 house, and in order to get the water, they need 1.500 EUR. The family used to receive a child benefit for the first four children, but they lost that right when the children turned 18 years old. They had a barn, but it was crashed in 2003. The oldest son plans to rebuild it, but he doesn't have enough money. The oldest son and mother told us that they need the most at the moment a freezer, closet and 2 beds. We promised to get them at least a freezer soon.
This action was important because Raška is a multicultural area. Although our help was modest, we are glad to have activated this area. It is very important for the Serbs to keep living in their homeland, and to avoid the situations from other areas where the Serbs had become a minority in their land. And who is better to keep the Serbian homelands than the families with many children? Thus we call upon all individuals to get involved and help the Serbian people to persist in their homelands, and not to let political and economic reasons to disenable that. THE CHILDREN SURRENDER!
ARE
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
OUR
FUTURE!
NO
With the faith in God, Stefan Ječmenica, Darko Lojaničić
Monthly Report HELP FOR THE RATKOVIĆ FAMILY FROM BANJA LUKA
On Sunday, 18th September 2011, we visited the family Ratković from Banja Luka, the first visit of the organization after two years. They had twelve members, but thanks to God, they now have another daughter. The members of the family are father Zlatko, mother Mirjana and the children: ðorñe (17), Aleksandar (16), Jovana (14), Milica (12), Teodora (11), Vuk (9), Mihajlo (8), Dušica (6), Marija (4), Katarina (3) and Sofija, almost a year old.
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 • • •
400 KM for the school equipment 90,80 KM for two pairs of sneakers 251, 60 KM for the groceries and hygiene.
We felt the need to commend the house and the yard with the playground, made by Zlatko. The house remains to be finished (they must put the isolation), and they also need several rooms, because 10 of them are sleeping in a single room in six beds.
The whole family welcomed us, and they were happy and smiled. It was unbelievable to see eleven brothers and sisters playing in the yard, so we couldn't stop smiling as well. Father Zlatko is the only employed, and he works in a drinks cellar. However, he could be fired soon. The biggest monthly expenditure is the installment loan, approximately 400 KM. They needed to conclude a loan when they were building a house, and then after the flood. The state promised to help them, but that never happened. When we asked them about the type of the help they need, mother Mirjana complained that this was the first time she couldn't provided everything her eight school children needed for school, such as books. Thus we decided to spend the largest sum on the books and school equipment, 400 KM. Since it was Sunday, and the bookstores weren't opened, Zlatko promised to take a picture of the books and send them to us when the books arrive. We also bought sneakers for ðorñe and Aleksandar, and groceries and hygiene as a short-term help.
Mirjana and Zlatko Ratković are the parents who deserve our respect, and our organization will continue to help them in the attempt to make their life easier. They are tired, but also determined to fight for their children. We want to thank again to all the donors from Prijedor and the Republic of Srpska, because the money for the last two actions (families Ratković and Kesar) was raised from the personal donations, charity party in Prijedor, and the selling of t-shirts.
The total sum spent in the action was 742,40 KM:
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
NO SURRENEDER! With the faith in God, friends from Prijedor
Monthly Report THE ACTION OF HELPING THE EKMEČIĆ FAMILY COMPLETED
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 EASTERN SARAJEVO SUPPORTED SFS
The municipality assembly of the Eastern Sarajevo donated 1.500 KM to the account of the Charity organization Serbs for Serbs in the Republic of Srpska for the project of buying the cultivator to the Tambur family from this municipality. The charity organization Serbs for Serbs has sucessfully completed one of big actions of help for the Ekmečić family from the village Prebilovci in Hercegovina. After providing the tractor in cooperation with Goverment of the Republic of Srpska in January 2011, the great donation from the friends of our organization from Canada recently, enabled us to complete this project. In the last nine months we collected 2.800 eur for additional mechanization for land processing, transport and maintenance of the technique. We will continue with further actions in helping the Serbian families in Hercegovina soon, if our financial situation allows us to do that.
The mechanization costs 7.000 KM, and apart from the donations from the municipality, our organization has already collected 1.000 KM. As we promised to the Tambur family, our organization and its donors will collect the necesarry means until the end of the year, and help them to buy the cultivator which will help them in their further work. We use this opportunity to thank the municipality of Eastern Sarajevo for the trust they showed us.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report PALACINKA PARTY IN CHICAGO
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 be done. We were also joined for the first time by several interested contributors & volunteers who we recently met at picnic events around Chicago. These new contributors shared many great ideas on how we can expand our charity work. This time we raised $330.00.
The U.S. branch of Serbs For Serbs has held another Palacinka Party in Chicago. On Saturday night, the palacinke were hot and tasty and the mood was jubilant. The palacinka party was not only a chance to get together with friends and acquaintances, but also to celebrate the recent news that SfS has officially been approved for 501c3 tax exempt status by the IRS.
So, along with tasty palacinke and great drinks, we had a wonderful experience Saturday night and look forward to the next palacinka party!
The celebration lasted long into the night with lots of palacinke and many conversations about the charity work that has been done and all the work that needs to Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report HELP FOR SERBIAN FAMILY FROM ILLINOIS
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 On Sunday Sept 13, after attending Divine Liturgy in Monastery New Gracanica we visited the Uzelac family at their home. We were kindly welcomed by the family who was in high spirits to see us. We spoke with the family and assessed their current situation to determine what would be the best approach to help them. We learned that family had been struggling for the past two years when Milan’s health has declined. Since winter is fast approaching we knew it was important for the family to get their gas back on to keep them warm in the winter and have hot water. We called the gas company directly and made a payment of $308.00 to have their gas turned back on. When the family was informed that their gas would be turned on in couple of days they could not believe it. Danica was in tears and the entire family was extremely grateful.
Approximately a week ago we were informed about the Uzelac family who lives in Round Lake Beach, Illinois. Husband Milan who suffered two heart attacks and also has brutal diabetes is incapacitated and unable to work to provide basic needs for his family. His wife Danica is also suffering a serious condition and is currently undergoing treatment for tumors. Their 17 year old son David who attends high school worked in the past to help support his family but is no longer employed due to the economic crisis. Still he tries to help his parents as much as he can.
We also donated clothing, hygiene supplies and some dishes to the family. In addition we provided them with information on how to become permanent U.S residents so that they may become eligible for more governmental aid that may help them improve their lives and help them get back on their feet. We feel bless to have been able to help this Serbian family who truly lives in hardship.
Report: Zelimirka Krsmanovic, Chicago, Illinois
After hearing that the family had been living without gas for two months and lack the resources to acquire basic supplies for hygiene such as soap and toothpaste, we knew we had to take action. After determining the family was in dire need of help our board decided to help the family and fund this action on its own.
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011 9. Dusan Stojkovic (IL) - $40.00
Donors in June
10. Christopher Petrovic - $25.00 1. I.S. (IL) - $20,00
11. www.CikaskiSrbi.com - $40.00
2. Sasa Lazarevic (IL) - $25,00
12. Sasa Savic - $25.00
3. Dusan Stojkovic (IL) - $50,00
13. Aleksandar Krsmanovic (NY) - $50.00
4. Milan Dobras - $15,00
14. Ankica D. - $25.00
5. Dejan Petrovic - $15,00
15. Serbosi Canada - $320.00
6. SZS Krajiska Braca (IN) - $100,00
16. Predrag Timotic - $5.00
7. Nemanja Lovre (CA) - $25,00 Total in July: $1,965.00 ___________________________________________
8. Zlata Mihajlovic (IL) - $20,00 9. Jovika Gavric - $20,00
Donors in August
10. Tanja Derikuca (FL) - $50,00 11. Nemanja Lovre (CA) - $25,00
1. Milan Titin (CA) - $15.00
12. Milos Mladenovic - $25,00
2. Bozana Jocson (CA) - $100.00
13. Christopher Petrovic - $25,00
3. Nemanja Lovre (CA) - $25.00
14. www.CikaskiSrbi.com - $30,00
4. Milos Mladenovic - $50.00
15. Petko Petrovic (IL) - $20,00
5. Mihajlo Pavlovic (NY) - $50.00
16. Aleksandar Krsmanovic (NY) - $50,00
6. Milos Vujasinovic (PA) - $26.00
17. Gojko Kasich - $25,00
7. Milan Zdrnja - $50.00
18. Ankica D. - $25,00
8. Aleksandar Jaksic (WA) - $50.00
19. Lazar Marinkovic - $50,00
9. Branka Miskovic - $15.00
20. Sasa Lazarevic - $25,00
10. Aleksandar Sokovic - $100.00
21. www.EcoBondStore.com - $15,00
11. Dan Kovacevic (IL) - $15.00
22. Alma Vujasinovic (PA) - $15,00
12. Milane Dobras (AZ) - $15.00
23. Serbosi Canada - $355,00
13. Milan Milicic (CAN) - $100.00
Total in June: $1.025,00 ____________________________________________
Donors in July
14. Ljiljana Kalinic - $50.00 15. Dragisa Stanimirovic- $50.00 16. Dejan Petrovic (IL) - $15.00 17. A.S. - $200.00
1. Mihajlo Pavlovic (NY) - $100.00
18. Suncica Volkov (IL) - $200.00
2. Zana Jovanovic (NY) - $40.00
19. SZS Krajiska Braca (IN) - $100.00
3. Milos Joncic - $25.00
20. Ivan Radulovic (NY) - $25.00
4. July 3rd Charity Party Chicago - $1200.00
21. Miroslav Cika - $40.00
5. Milan Dobras (AZ) - $15.00
22. Sasa Lazarevic (IL) - $50.00
6. Dan Kovacevic (IL) - $15.00
23. Milorad Bozickovic (OK) - $100.00
7. Dejan Petrovic (IL) - $15.00
24. N.V. - $100.00
8. Ivan Radulovic (NY) - $25.00 Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
25. Christopher Petrovic - $25.00
17. Zelimir Lalusic (IL) - $20 (por. Uzelac)
26. G.V.- $100.00
18. Velimir Lalusic (IL) - $20 (por. Uzelac)
27. Aleksandar Krsmanovic (NY) - $50.00
19. Dusan Stojkovic (IL) - $40 (por. Uzelac)
28. Aleksandar Micic (MO) - $45.00 Majice NEMA PREDAJE
20. Jovika Gavric - $20 21. NEMA PREDAJE (T-shirt)- $790
29. Predrag Buncic - $50.00
22. Aleksandar Krsmanovic (NY) - $50
30. Veneta Jevtovic (IL) - $100.00
(por. Uzelac)
31. Olja Meyer (NY) - $20.00
23. Nemanja Lovre (CA) - $25
32. Ankica D. - $25.00
24. Dusan Alempijevic - $50
33. Serbosi Canada - $305.00
25. Milos Joncic - $25
34. Petko Petrovich (IL) - $20.00
26. Christopher Petrovic - $25
35. Milunka Petrovic (IL)- $20.00
27. Milos Mladenovic - $50
36. Dusan Stojkovic (IL)- $30.00
28. Vladan Krstic - $60
37. Nema Predaje t-shirt (IN)- $90.00
29. Brankica Bogosavljevic - $20
38. www.cikaskisrbi.com (IL) - $30.00
30. Zeljko Jelaca - $10
39. Milan Titin - $15.00
31. Aleksandar Krsmanovic (NY) - $70
40. Dusan Braticevic (CAN) - $100.00
32. Biljana Samardzic - $100
Total in August: $2,566.00 ____________________________________________
33. Igor Tomic - $20 34. Ankica D. - $25 35. Aleksandra Jaksic - $50
Donors in September
36. Palacinka Party#2 - $330 1. I.S. - $20
37. Serbosi Canada - $440
2. Rada Cvijetic - $100
38. Ivan Vujovic - $15
3. Miloš Mladenovic - $25
39. Gordana Stojanovic - $30
4. Kingsley Smith - $25
40. Tanja Josipovic -$25
5. Dragisa Stanimirovic - $50
41. Milan Titin -$15
6. Milan Dobras (AZ) - $15
42. Sasha Duvnjak (AU)-$9.48
7. Dan Kovacevic (IL) - $15 Total in September: $3.079,48 ___________________________________________
8. Bozana Jocson (CA) - $100 9. Dejan Petrovic (IL) - $15 10. Petko Petrovich (IL) - $40 (porodica Uzelac) 11. SZS Krajiska Braca (IN) - $100
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TRUST!
12. Sasa Lazarevic (IL) - $25 13. www.CikaskiSrbi.com - $40 14. Ivan Radulovic (NY) - $25 15. Sinisa Krsmanovic (IL) - $50 (por. Uzelac) 16. Lazar Krsmanovic (IL) - $100 (por. Uzelac)
Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS
Donations in June, July, August and September 3.500 $ 3.000 $ 2.500 $ 2.000 $ 1.500 $ 1.000 $ 500 $ 0$
Number of Donors in June, July, August and September 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0
CHARITY ORGANIZATION
Monthly Report
www.SerbsForSerbs.org 2011
SERBS FOR SERBS
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Charity organization Serbs for Serbs www.SerbsForSerbs.org PO Box 34206, Chicago, IL 60634 Phone: +1-312-85-SERBS