SPRING LAKE, Mich., August 31, 2005 -- As the full extent of the damage from Hurricane Katrina has become known, International Aid has begun to assemble and ship an additional 20,000 Relief Packs. These packs, which contain basic hygiene items are valued at more than $100,000. The packs will be distributed to relief shelters throughout the Hurricane affected areas by International Aid's local church partners.
"It is clear that the hurricane victims will be spending much longer than originally anticipated in the relief shelters" said International Aid President Myles Fish. "These supplies will both comfort the hurricane victims and help to prevent disease outbreaks".
In other hurricane related developments, International Aid's first shipment is expected to arrive at its distribution point in Hattiesburg, Mississippi mid-day to today. The shipment valued at $750,000 consists of 23 pallets of tarping materials, 23,000 hygiene kits, 12 pallets of blankets, hygiene products and diapers.
With the shipment is an International Aid assessment team who will be working with its on the ground partners to determine additional product needs.
"People have begun to call this 'America's Tsunami'. As someone who was in Indonesia just eight months ago, I can tell you that there are many similarities", said Fish. "We need to be keeping the victims in our prayers as they endure this horrific tragedy".
Volunteers will be at International Aid again Wednesday to assemble the second round of relief kits.
"It is clear that tens of thousands of people will be in shelters for an extended period of time. These supplies will both comfort the hurricane victims and help to prevent disease outbreaks," said International Aid President and CEO, Myles Fish.
International Aid is evaluating the need for on-site volunteers to be involved in the recovery and cleanup effort.
International Aid is requesting financial contributions to support relief efforts in the wake of Katrina. Click here to place your secure online donation or call our 24-hour donation line, 800-251-2502. There is a list of specific products needed. Portable generators are particularly useful.
Based in Spring Lake, Mich., International Aid is a health-focused Christian relief and development organization that provides for both the physical and spiritual needs of people worldwide. Over the past ten years International Aid has responded to more than 100 man-made and natural disasters, including sending over $1 million in relief aid to the victims of last year's four hurricanes, Hurricane Mitch in Honduras, 9/11 in New York, and the South Asia tsunami. During that time period International Aid has delivered more than $500 million in relief supplies through 25,000 missionaries and agencies in 170 countries.