Well I have been waiting for the right time to update you on ShelterBox and the response to the tornadoes in the south.
I got some requests a few days ago to start a campaign for ShelterBox due to the tragedy in Japan. I wrote a few pieces but I didn't start a campaign because I didn't think the Daily Kos folks would catch on like last time. Not because you are all heartless, but mostly because with the success of the last ShelterBox campaign was so successful, I think most people here already are aware and are donating.
However I did open an account in the name of the Daily Kos
Here!
https://bos.etapestry.com/fundraiser/ShelterBoxUSAInc/reps/individual.do?participationRef=4132.0.473215505
So you can donate your little heart out or maybe just five bucks but the account is in the name of the Daily Kos ShelterBox so there ya go..... go for it!
Parts of the most recent newsletter follow.
I know, I know ...... cutting and pasting is not a diary, but many of you want to know if ShelterBox is gonna help with the devastation in the south.
They are!
Because of your support, ShelterBox responds following US tornadoes, Colombia floods and Japan earthquake and tsunami.
As a loyal ShelterBox supporter, we wanted to thank you for your support and share with you information on our latest deployments. Today, a response team headed to Alabama after tornadoes and storms hit our southern states last week. We also have teams working in Colombia after heavy rains throughout April caused massive flooding and in Japan after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March. Below, you'll find more information about each response.
U.S. Southern States
Over the last few days, we've contacted Rotary districts in Alabama, the state emergency management agency, the Tuscaloosa emergency agency and other groups to determine need and offer assistance. When there is an unmet need for tented shelter and equipment, particularly in areas that have severely damaged or limited infrastructure, the ShelterBox response is critical.
While it appears needs are being met locally, ShelterBox has sent a highly experienced two-person team to the tornado-ravaged areas in America's southern states, not only to determine the need for the ShelterBox solution, but also to lend a hand where needed.
As you know, the ShelterBox solution is to provide emergency shelter, warmth and dignity to people displaced by disasters such as earthquake, volcano, flood, hurricane, cyclone, tsunami or conflict by delivering boxes of aid. Each iconic green ShelterBox contains a disaster relief tent for up to 10 people, stove, blankets and water filtration system, among other tools for survival.
The team is being spearheaded by ShelterBox USA board member and ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) member, Wayne Robinson. A Roswell, Georgia businessman who has deployed around the world eight times over the last four years and part of the first team ShelterBox sent to Haiti after the January 2010 earthquake, Robinson was joined by experienced SRT member and Gainesville, Georgia resident, Mike Freeman, who has only recently returned from Japan after March’s earthquake and tsunami.
The team is working with local aid agencies and Rotary contacts in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to assess the need for our type of aid. Southerners are very resilient and amazing people. Our thoughts are with them and we’re wishing them the comfort and peace they deserve.
Please don't hesitate to contact me or a member of your ShelterBox USA team at (941) 907-6036 with any questions. To stay up-to-date on ShelterBox's deployments, visit www.shelterboxusa.org.
Because of your generosity, we're able to respond quickly when a disaster strikes. Thank you for helping us provide shelter, warmth and dignity to disaster survivors who need it most!
Emily Sperling
President, ShelterBox USA