SIERRA LEONE HANDS-ON EMERGENCY APPEAL

In a recent consultation on the Sierra Leone United Methodist Church, which was attended by Bishop J.C. Humper and persons from GBGM, UMCOR, STOP HUNGER NOW, the Bishop's Task Force on Africa of the Baltimore-Washington Conference, and representatives of Operation Classroom from Minnesota and Indiana, it was agreed that an appeal be made for individuals, church groups, and churches to become involved in a hands-on program of providing basic supplies for the devastated people of Sierra Leone.

UMCOR and Operation Classroom have joined together in this nationwide effort. The needs are overwhelming. Sierra Leone has been involved in civil war since 1992. It is estimated that there are at least one million displaced persons in Sierra Leone and 300,000 refugees in Guinea, with other refugees in Liberia, Gambia, and Ghana.

As a result of the rebel invasion into Freetown on January 6, 1999, Bishop J.C. Humper, resident Bishop of Sierra Leone, said that in Freetown alone:

The following items are recommended to be a part of this emergency hands-on program. Hundreds of families have only what they could carry with them, and are living in very difficult conditions in a displaced camp.

You can provide a FAMILY OR HOMECOMING KIT, which consists of:

• 8 Unbreakable bowls (1 to 1 ½ quart size)
• 8 Unbreakable cups
• 8 Soup spoons (or small tablespoons)
• 1 Large, sturdy, metal cooking spoon
• *2 Bath towels
• *2 Kitchen towels
• *1 Set sheets and pillow cases (double bed)
• *1 Light blanket
• Toothpaste/toothbrushes (brushes still sealed in original wrapping)
• Shampoo (plastic bottle or tube—placed in a ziplock bag)
• Hair combs
• Soap (bath size—in original wrapper)
• 1 bottle vitamins with iron
• 1 bottle Tylenol
• *These items can be used, if in good condition

To pack:Pack the items in a box, or, even better, a "Rubbermaid" storage container, which would be very useful to the family afterwards. Mark the box or plastic container: "Sierra Leone Family Kit."

HEALTH KITS are needed, especially for youth. Because families have lost everything, such supplies are urgently needed. You are asked to include in a health kit:

• One bath towel
• One wash cloth
• One light blanket, sheet, or flannel sheet
• One tube of toothpaste & toothbrush (brush still sealed in original wrapping)
• One bar of soap (bath size—in original wrapper)
• One can talc powder or plastic bottle of body lotion (put into Ziplock bag)
• One bottle multivitamins with iron
• One bottle Tylenol, or something similar

In packing the health kit-- place all other items on the partially-folded blanket or sheet. Fold up so that the items are secure inside. Then place this bundle inside a plastic bag and pack kits together in boxes.

OTHER MEDICAL NEEDS You may send any of these medical items. They will be distributed through the UMC schools and clinics in Sierra Leone.

• Children's chewable vitamins (an unlimited supply is needed)
• Children's Tylenol
• Acetaminophen (non-aspirin pain relievers; all strengths)
• Anti-diarrheal preparations (Imodium, etc.)
• Antibiotic ointments (Bacitracin, etc.)
• Antipruritics (hydrocortisone ointments for relief of rashes and itching)
• Anti-acids (Mylanta, Maalox, etc.)
• Cold medications (decongestants, antihistamines, and cough suppressants - also
• with acetaminophen)
• Sterile bandages (Band-Aids - 4 x 4's - telfa, etc., and tape)
• Cleansing solutions (antibacterial, Betadine, etc.)
• Gloves (sterile and unsterile)

Other needs include:

• Good used summer clothing; some light sweaters and sweatshirts (no women's shorts or slacks)
• Shoes, tennis shoes, especially in medium and wide sizes

Boxes can be shipped to:

Operation Classroom Warehouse

Lapel Storage

806 Woodward Street

Lapel, IN 46051

You are asked to send $15 per box to help with shipping costs, through your local church and conference treasurer, Advance Special number 982730-7, "Count Your Joy." Or you may send your shipping funds to Operation Classroom, PO Box 277, Colfax, IN 46035.