Torrential rains and mudslides have devastated
the coast of Venezuela, mostly affecting the State of Vargas. The death
toll is estimated at more than 10,000 people, according to government officials.
The overall population affected by the floods is about 200,000 with thousands
reported missing. We are providing much needed humanitarian assistance
to victims of the floods
Operation USA is also asking for financial
support that will be used to buy relief goods in the U.S. or in Venezuela
and for rehabilitation projects in the recovery phase.
Operation USA's focus will be on filling gaps in essential aid - water purification supplies, shelter materials, and replacement supplies for hospitals and clinics. Whenever possible, we purchase supplies in the region to minimize shipping costs. If public support reaches appropriate levels, we will establish a grant and micro-lending program for quake victims - making start-up grants to re-establish community based healthcare, mental health, education and income generation projects.
Operation USA is one of the major US nongovernmental organizations working in Central America, Southeast Asia, Africa, The Balkans and Turkey. Now 20 years old, the organization has provided medical supplies to partner agencies working in the Eastern Mediterranean since 1982 with our efforts in Lebanon, Jordan, Northern Iraq and the West Bank/Gaza.
No individual-sized donations of food, clothing or medicine will be accepted. Corporate donations in bulk are preferred.
Those wishing to donate cash or bulk relief supplies may contact Operation USA at 1-800-678-7255 or write Operation USA at 8320 Melrose Ave. #200, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
To help expedite the current relief process and to ensure proper assistance, Operation USA provides donor guidelines for relief assistance to victims of the floods in Venezuela.
The list suggests supplies be donated only in bulk quantities by wholesalers and manufacturers or be funded for purchase by individuals. Small quantities of items such as canned food and used clothing are NOT effective donations as they are extremely difficult to sort, pack and ship; and, distribution cannot be guaranteed. They will not be accepted by Operation USA.
MEDICAL/NUTRITIONAL: Pedialyte or ORS (oral rehydration solution) packets to treat diarrhea in children; multivitamins - (drops and chewable for children); analgesics (pain medication); antibiotics and antidiarrheals. Bulk quantities only, with a minimum of one year of shelf life donated by wholesalers and manufacturers or funded for purchase by individuals .
HYGIENE SUPPLIES: toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, tampons, disposable diapers. Bulk quantities only donated by wholesalers and manufacturers or funded for purchase by individuals.
SHELTER: plastic sheeting - heavy-duty (6 mil or stronger) in rolls 10'x25' or larger; hand tools - hammers, wood and steel saws, shovels, hoes, wood or galvanized nails; cord - nylon, rope. Bulk quantities only donated by wholesalers and manufacturers or funded for purchase by individuals.
CONTACT: For further information or to make a contribution contact Richard Walden, Neil Frame, or Kathy Schutzer at Operation USA (1-800-678-7255).
OPERATION USA
8320 Melrose Avenue, Suite 200
Los Angeles, California 90069
Phone (323)658-8876 -- Fax (323)653-7846
Donors and Volunteers 1-800-678-7255