Romania
Like most of the people living in this area, ITMI’s Casa Dorca Children’s Home relies on a boiler system that runs on wood to heat their approximately 2000 square meter building.
Except for those who live in large cities, wood is the most common way to heat buildings in Romania. Central heating is available in many cities, but in the rural areas like the town of Prilipet, central heat isn’t available.
Electric and gas are prohibitively expensive heating methods.
So, like most of the people living in this area, ITMI’s Casa Dorca Children’s Home relies on a boiler system that runs on wood to heat their approximately 2000 square meter building. It’s a sustainable and affordable method used by many in this area.
Each summer, the wood is gathered and stored in a large covered area to allow the sap to dry for several months. This prevents damage to the boiler.
To get through one year, Casa Dorca’s wood storage area needs to be filled with wood.
Casa Dorca’s boiler system, upgraded in 2018, runs on wood.
“Throughout the spring, summer, and fall we work very hard cutting up these huge logs into pieces that will fit into the boiler. Then they are hauled from that large pile to our courtyard at the facility and stacked neatly under a covered area of the courtyard where they remain dry,” explains Casa Dorca Director, Ionel Lovescu.
In 2018, Casa Dorca was able to upgrade from a 135 kw boiler to a 250 kw boiler.
In past years, Casa Dorca’s boiler has been kept running by the generosity of a local brother who is a wood cutter. He provided the 200 cubic meters of wood required each year by Casa Dorca. At a cost of no less than $50USD per meter, his contribution was worth about $10,000 a year!
This local businessman, who owns one of the smallest wood cutting operations servicing the area, experienced a drop in business of late, likely due to the pandemic. With a heavy heart, he had to inform Casa Dorca that he wouldn’t be able to provide the wood to keep the orphans warm through the upcoming winter season.
Since summer is just a month or so away, Casa Dorca has a pressing need for $11,200USD to keep the vulnerable children in their care warm and healthy during the freezing temperatures of the winter months of 2021-2022.
About the Authors
Summer Kelley is a writer and follower of Jesus living in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and three kids. She’s had the honor and privilege of telling ITMI’s stories since 2006. Summer loves reading, the outdoors and Coca-Cola Classic.
Steve Evers has advocated for and served the ITMI partners as ITMI Director since 2001. Approximately once a year, Steve visits with ITMI partners in their countries and brings stories back to encourage supporters. Steve enjoys photography and mechanics, (both hobbies that have greatly benefited ITMI partners!) Prior to becoming ITMI's Director, Steve served on the Board of Directors for 4 years. Steve lives in Arizona with his wife, Darlene.
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