Operation Ukraine, the nonprofit humanitarian relief organization based in Columbus, has been busy filling containers for earthquake relief to Haiti and flood relief to the Ukraine.
Director Kathy Cadden released an abbreviated list of specific needs for a shipment to Haiti scheduled for Sept. 2 or 3. Containers will continue to be shipped at the first of each month, for the foreseeable future.
Topping the current list are gallon cans of tomato sauce, large cans of tomato paste and gallon cans of any fruit. School supplies, such as pencils, spiral notebooks, crayons, pencil sharpeners, are needed, as well — as are box fans and children”s shoes.
“So far, we have provided meals for about 500,000 people,” said Cadden. “Children”s Lifeline, who we work with, is feeding between 5,000 and 6,000 people a day. When the kids got some fruit a month ago, they asked if it was Christmas … they licked the bowls and took their fingers trying to get the last drop of sweetness.”
In addition to already shipping out 480,000 pounds of rice and beans to Haiti, Operation Ukraine has sent canned goods, classroom supplies, school bags filled with hygiene and school supplies, and three pallets of diapers, donated by the Florence Fire and Rescue Department in Alabama.
The Ukraine flood relief effort is in particular need of school supplies, children”s new underwear, bath soap, dish washing soap, toothpaste and used or new shoes.
For information on delivery of donations, contact Cadden at 662-549-2416.
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