Community impact of the Big Country VOAD

Last week, the Big Country Volunteer Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD) met at Global Samaritan Resources to assemble more than 350 disaster kits, including: personal hygiene kits, baby care kits, and disaster clean-up buckets. 

• According to the Red Cross, personal hygiene kits are among the first items distributed after disasters and are one of the most requested items by disaster survivors. They help to maintain cleanliness and reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, which are common in disaster-stricken areas. 
• Baby care kits are crucial for ensuring the well-being of infants after a disaster and can be challenging to access in the chaos following a disaster. Kits include diapers, wipes, lotion, and other essential baby care items.
• According to relief organizations, clean-up buckets are critical in the early stages of recovery, particularly after floods, fires, and other disasters that cause extensive damage to homes.

Mike Murphy, director of logistics for Global Samaritan, shared that "240 hygiene kits, 60 baby care kits, and 72 clean-up buckets were prepared." These essential supplies will be distributed to individuals and families in need during and after disasters.

This initiative is not just about gathering supplies; it also serves as a way to raise awareness about the vital role the VOAD's member organizations play in disaster response, as well as recruit businesses, community organizations, and volunteers who want to make a difference and prepare to meet our community's needs when the unexpected happens.

A special thanks to these partners for their financial and volunteer support: Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Beltway Park Church, Community Foundation of Abilene, Dian Graves Owen Foundation, Fat Matt Roofing, Global Samaritan Resources, Leadership Abilene Alumni Association, United Rescue Alliance and the United Way of Abilene.