Heart of Virginia Cyclone Lifeline
posted 11:44 pm Tue May 13, 2008 - Concord, VA
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The official death toll in Myanmar is at 34,000. But the UN estimates the actual numbers may be more in the range of 62,000 to 100,000 and that death toll is expected to grow. Volunteers in our area are working overtime to get aid to the devastated area.
And we've partnered with Gleaning for the World (web) - in an effort to save lives. We have activated the Cyclone Lifeline. By now the most of us have seen these pictures. Helpless faces, children and parents waiting for relief they hope will come. And Concord based Gleaning for the World is shipping that aid one box at a time.
Rev. Ron Davidson, Gleaning For The World -"We got an emergency request last night for sending about a half a million dollars worth of medical supplies to Myanmar and we're trying to get that ready as rapidly as we can."
This night's task, checking expiration dates on those supplies.
Davidson - "You've got almost no medical care over there at all. We're getting reports that there could be as many as 100,000 deaths that have already occurred."
By the end of the week they will ship out a half a million dollars worth of supplies to Myanmar. Many are saying the devastation could surpass the Asian Tsunami of 2004.
Davidson - "If we can't get food and medical in as rapidly as possible to the people in need you've got another 2 million who could end up losing."
But it's not the only punch Mother Nature has thrown over the past few weeks. The most recent, an earthquake in China. And there are also the tornados in the Midwest. Needless to say, it's game time for Gleaning For The World and they need all the help they can get.
Davidson - "We have hundreds of volunteers that are coming in to help us and without all that support we simply could not get it done."
But they will and they will do it all with our help. Gleaning is also trying to raise $10,000 to buy rice for the people of Myanmar. That rice will serve 90-thousand meals. They are also shipping out 850 survival packs this week. Those will provide fresh water and medical supplies to those who need it most. Click here if you would like to make a donation to the Cyclone Lifeline.
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