Donations Pour in to Help Tsunami Victims

Donors from around the world are rushing to help those affected by the tsunami, flooding the United Nations' phone lines, according to spokesman Brian Grogan. Relief agencies are working to funnel supplies to areas of greatest need. Donations have been used to provide essential items such as food, shelter, and clothing, with CARE USA highlighting the impact of different donation amounts.

Key Takeaways:

• $20 donations can provide basic clothing and hygiene items for individuals or babies, such as bedding, sarongs, shirts, undergarments, and soap.
• $20 donations can also purchase baby items, including bottles, formula, baby soap, pillows, and clothing.
• $5,000 donations can be used to construct three to four schools or health centers, purchase 220 tons of food, or hire 100 local people for cleanup projects.
• $5,000 donations can also be used to provide 250 fishing kits, which include nets, poles, hooks, and thread, or 500 family kits.
• Materials for 78 homes can be built in India with a $5,000 donation, or a week's ration of emergency food for almost 1,200 people can be provided.
• Donations have contributed to building homes, schools, and providing food and clothing to thousands of individuals and families.

Statistics:

• $20 can buy a basic clothing and hygiene kit for an individual or baby.
• $5,000 can be used to construct three to four schools or health centers.
• 220 tons of food can be purchased with a $5,000 donation.
• 500 family kits can be provided with a $5,000 donation.
• 250 fishing kits can be purchased with a $5,000 donation.
• 78 homes can be built in India with a $5,000 donation.
• A week's ration of emergency food is available for almost 1,200 people with a $5,000 donation.

Sources:

• Brian Grogan, U.N. office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
• Lurma Rackley, CARE USA