Being a Sunday, it seems a good day to focus our news coverage on profiles of people helping people in real and important ways.

Starting in Iraq, from where we've heard of so much suffering and torment, there are small glimmers of joy in the eyes of some children thanks to British soldiers.

The Al Seedaqah orphanage is located just a mile from Basra Palace, the besieged British Army base in the southern part of the country. It is the only orphanage in the region and houses, at the moment, seventy children.

Through the efforts of the Civil Military Co-operation team (CIMIC), the branch of the British Army that is running 30-some projects designed to make life better for Basra's citizens, a connection was made between the orphanage and the military, and a relationship that helps both has been forged.

In addition to some great one-on-one time with the kids, the orphanage will soon be getting a new generator, toilets, repairs and basic items like pencils and paper. The soldiers get smiles, and boosts to flagging moral.

'Spending time with the children gives a sense of normality to our otherwise strange existence. When we go on patrol and are attacked in camp, we see the worst of Iraq, but the children remind us why we're here – to give them a more stable country.'

Read about the children at the above link, and if you're so inspired, you can donate to the orphanage by writing to: Al Seedaqah Orphanage, c/o Orsact House, Jubilee Close, Kingsbury, London NW9 8TR.

For a look at a very different sort of organization also deserving support, this story out of Arizona highlights a facility for expectant mothers.

Michael House in Glendale, Arizona, is the latest home opened by the organization Maggie's Place, a "... house of hospitality for expectant women who wish to achieve their goals in a dignified and welcoming atmosphere."

Providing a safe and supportive environment for pregnant women who find themselves alone or living on the streets, the network of homes provides, "... for the immediate physical and emotional needs of our guests including shelter, food, clothing, and a supportive community."

Woman can move in anytime during their pregnancy and stay until their child is nine-months-old. There are, of course, certain rules, and conditions do apply, including a demand that that residents are drug-free and have no other children in their custody.

Women that are choosing to parent, as well as those making an adoption plan are equally welcome, according to the website.

Those wishing to support this organization can do so by clicking here.

Connections often prove of great benefit in unexpected ways, as this story out of Galveston, Texas shows well.

The accomplishments of one Texas couple have combined with the work of a Belgian agronomist and three Kenyans to the great benefit of AIDS orphans in a village about 250 miles from Nairobi.

With an AIDS toll twice the national average for Kenya, farm families in the area have reached a saturation point when it comes to taking in children, with many accommodating up to twenty kids ... a real stretch for families already poor and over-extended.

Now, however, through the combined efforts of those involved an orphanage has now been open for nine months, some pressure has been relieved, and children who most likely would have died are living with care.

With the result of the citizens of Galveston being galvanized by an enthusiastic couple spreading the word of need, this account is certain proof that individuals can make a big difference.

Donations can be made to the Happy Home Orphanage in Stellah, Kenya by writing to: 4012 Pirates Beach, Galveston, TX 77554. Checks should be made out to Agroforestry Council International.

If you have a cause that you would like to have mentioned here, please feel free to send me the details. My email is: SandraB@adoptionBlogs.com