Clothing, Blankets Still Urgently Needed

World Concern
Wednesday, 25 April 2001

April 25, 2001 - Seattle, WA – Seattle-based international relief and development organization World Concern collected 9,000 pounds of clothing and blankets last Saturday during the kick-off of their "Clothes for the World" campaign, however 66,000 pounds are still needed by May 31st to keep up with the needs overseas. World Concern provides these critically needed supplies year round, and even with the recently donated 9,000 pounds, their warehouse remains almost empty.

The clothing drive runs through May 31st and supplies are urgently needed. Families in Mongolia are suffering after the worst winter in 50 years destroyed much of their livestock and, therefore, their income. Afghan refugees in Tajikistan, Burmese refugees living on the Thailand border, and displaced people in many countries must rely on donations to keep their children clothed.

World Concern staff and partners working in the countries receive and distribute the supplies to those in need. "We send new or gently worn used clothing and blankets to people suffering overseas, and we know it gets to them. We only send items which are requested by our staff and partners working in these areas," stated Kelly Miller, Director of World Concern Supply Services.

One volunteer, Janice Leaf, who quilts children's blankets for World Concern, recently received a letter from a woman in Ukraine thanking her for her time and effort and relaying how much the quilts meant to her sons. The letter brought tears to Janice's eyes. "It is so nice to know that the quilts get to their destinations and arrive in great shape, " she affirmed.

You can help by bringing the following items to the World Concern processing center located at 19802 Highway 99 in Lynnwood, Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or Saturdays through May 26th from 9:00 AM to noon.

- New or good used men's, women's, youth, and especially children's clothing of all types.
- Only new underwear and socks.
- New or good used shoes.
- New or good used blankets, quilts, sheets, and towels.
- Please, NO household items.

If you are interested in volunteering to process the clothing for shipment or more information on the clothing drive, please call World Concern Supply Services at (425) 771-5700.

For more information, or to contact World Concern, see their website at: www.worldconcern.org