"INTEL" CREATES LIGHT WITH PAINT ROLLERS

The central hall of the "Dolev" cottage is shiny bright with new paint. The white walls and the happy light blue corridor create a light and airy milieu.

Yossi Laban and Ariel Avram lead their team of volunteers from Intel towards the last tasks of cleaning up, leaving behind them an excellent painting job, as they head back to their offices. Some of the nine volunteers are still wearng their white work overalls, others are giving a final check to the walls of the kitchen, dining room and central hall to ensure that they are leaving nothing less than perfect.

As the volunteers gather for a group picture, Yehuda is still missing. He needs to be called several times till he finally comes. He was busy finishing up the last touches to Michal's bedroom. Michal, a nine-year-old for whom the Dolev cottage is home, insisted that Yehuda see her room and as she brings him into the simply furnished room, he picks up a roller and begins painting the walls around her bed. These rooms were not on the Intel group's work schedule, but Yehuda – like all the other Intel volunteers – was deeply moved by the children who are still at the Home, despite the summer vacation, children who have nowhere else to go. Some of these children actively helped the Intel group to lay down protective plastic sheets and to paint the walls.

An immediate friendship blossomed between the children and the volunteers and Michal's excitement and joy was all the thanks Yehuda needed as he joined the group for the photo.

The Intel volunteers arrived in the morning, full of vigor and motivation. They came prepared with all the necessary tools and paints, and with their snacks and drinks. They were totally organized, down to the smallest details. And within three short hours, they achieved the goal they had set for themselves.

In the process, they learned about the Children's Home, the uniqueness of its treatment program and the significance of their gift of support. Working alongside the children enriched their experience, as it enriched the children.

The children and the Intel group were mutually rewarded. The children got a brand-new cottage filled with light and the Intel volunteers got a sense of great satisfaction upon seeing the children's eyes, full of light.

This volunteer project of the Intel workers has become the first step in what will turn into a beautiful friendship.