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TOOLS & BLANKETS and Hurricane Relief

The devastation wrought by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita staggers our imagination and burdens our hearts -- so much loss of innocent life. Stirred by compassion, millions of people want to respond to the suffering. From Girl Scout troops to the federal government, in ways great and small, individuals and groups are reaching out to help. Church World Service is grateful to be one vehicle of that heartfelt response.

The contributions we receive to our Hurricane Recovery appeal are helping us respond to both immediate needs and the long-term recovery of these shattered communities. Church World Service has provided material assistance, including CWS Blankets, "Gift of the Heart" Health Kits, School Kits, Kids Kits, and Emergency Clean-up Buckets, as well as Interchurch Medical Assistance medical boxes, and UNICEF Recreational Kits to help children cope with the stress of displacement. In particular, shipments of CWS Blankets and "Gift of the Heart" Kits have been made to shelters and relocation centers in eight states.

And, thanks to funds from the CWS TOOLS & BLANKETS Program, CWS will continue to meet emergency needs as well as the long-term demands of rebuilding shattered lives and communities in the Gulf States area.

Church World Service approaches disasters in a wholistic manner. That’s what we mean by a “Rainbow of Caring.” We are there responding immediately after a disaster happens, but our commitment is to stand with people in the long process of recovery and rehabilitation as well. When the images of devastation from the hurricane or other disaster fade from our television screen, CWS will still be at work providing care to traumatized children; rebuilding communities; restoring hope. With your support, the CWS TOOLS & BLANKETS Program is a rainbow of caring to people in need around the world. And, thanks to your support, we are at work in some 80 countries responding to the quiet disasters of hunger, poverty, and disease that may not make the evening news, but shatter lives as surely as a hurricane. Thank you.

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