Lutheran World Relief Health Kits, Layettes Enroute to Haiti; More Quilts and Kits Needed

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Baltimore -- A shipment of Lutheran World Relief health kits and layettes left LWR's warehouse in New Windsor, Md., today, to be distributed to Haitian earthquake survivors. LWR partner Church World Service will distribute the shipment of 650 health kits and 1500 layettes, the first of multiple planned shipments to Haiti. LWR has committed material resources valued at nearly $500,000 and plans to send more health kits and layettes, along with quilts and school kits, in the near future. Health kits, with soap, washcloth, towel, toothbrush and toothpaste, nail clippers and a comb, help people living in desperate situations to maintain basic hygiene. Layettes, containing a baby blanket, diapers, and baby clothing, help parents care for their infants.Lutheran congregations and groups in the U.S. assemble the kits and donate them to LWR for use in overseas emergencies. "In the aftermath of a disaster, when people are living in very close quarters and without adequate sanitation, the spread of disease is a very real concern," said Trevor Knoblich, LWR's program coordinator for emergency response. "Something as simple as a bar of soap can make such a big difference." LWR issued an appeal to its U.S. supporters to increase their donations of quilts, health kits and school kits in order to meet the needs in Haiti. "Right now our stocks are running low, and we are critically low on health kits," said Knoblich. "We know from experience that Lutherans are compassionate people, and we are asking that they donate whatever quilts and kits they can to help us meet the incredible needs in Haiti." Shipping quilts and kits is just one aspect of LWR's response in Haiti. The organization has committed an initial $1 million to relief efforts, and anticipates that commitment will increase as more information becomes available. With partners on the ground, LWR is supporting distribution of food, water and temporary shelter items, both in Port-au-Prince and in rural communities that have not yet received relief assistance from the large aid operations in the capital city. To donate to the relief effort, please visit www.lwr.org, call 1-800-597-5972, or mail a check or money order to Lutheran World Relief, PO Box 17061, Baltimore, MD 21298-9832 USA. You can also make an immediate $10 donation by texting "LWR" to 40579.