wfn.org | ABCUSA: 'Gift of the Heart' Health Kits Needed

["SCHRAMM, Richard" <Rich.Schramm@abc-usa.org>]

American Baptist News Service (Valley Forge, Pa. 1/6/04)--The
unprecedented needs stemming from the tsunami tragedy in Southeast Asia
have caused American Baptist ecumenical partner Church World Service to
issue an urgent request to help replenish its "Gift of the Heart" Health
Kits.  Recent hurricane activity in the Caribbean and Florida
substantially decreased the CWS supply of the kits.

American Baptists are being urged to respond to this CWS appeal.  A
"Gift of the Heart" Health Kit includes: one hand towel, one washcloth,
one comb, one metal nail file or nail clipper, one bar of soap (bath
size), one toothbrush, one tube of toothpaste (4-7 ounces) and six
band-aids.  All items should be sealed in a one-gallon plastic bag with
a zipper closure and complete kits should be packed in boxes, with the
contents clearly marked on the outside.  Include the name and address of
the church, group or individual sending the kits at the top before
sealing the box. Do not include money in the box.  Secure the boxes with
packing tape.

Ship all kits prepaid to: Church World Service, Brethren Service Center
Annex, 601 Main St., P.O. Box 188, New Windsor, MD 21776-0188. Add $1
per Health Kit for processing/shipping.  Additional support can help
Church World Service make these resources go further. Checks, earmarked
"Processing/Shipping," should be mailed to: Church World Service, 28606
Phillips St., P.O. Box 968, Elkhart, IN 46515 (phone 1-800-297-1516).

"When we live with basic necessities such as soap and toothpaste at our
disposal every day it is hard to imagine life without them," said
American Baptist Churches USA World Relief Officer Lisa Rothenberger.
"But in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, such as the hurricanes in
Florida or the Asian tsunami, these are items that are first lost but
most needed.  Even a simple bar of soap can ward of common diseases
found in the aftermath of natural disasters. 'Gifts of the Heart' Health
Kits are a 'first response' item for Church World Service and often the
first tangible relief supplies that victims receive.  I join Church
World Service in their appeal to churches to respond by sending health
kits as soon as possible so that Church World Service will be prepared
to respond to the next disaster, whether domestic or international."

K/2005ABNS/05ABN4

American Baptist News Service: Office of Communication, American Baptist
Churches USA, P.O. Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851; (800)ABC-3USA
x2077 / (610)768-2077; fax: (610)768-2320; www.abc-usa.org;
richard.schramm@abc-usa.org