Health Kit Challenge

The Global Mission Team of the Upper Susquehanna Synod is thinking globally and acting locally by sponsoring a Lutheran World Relief Health Kit Collection Challenge!  The bar is set at collecting 1,000 health kits, compiled locally, to be distributed globally through LWR for emergency and disaster response.  Congregations are encouraged to collect as many kits as possible by October 3, to package and drop off boxes of kits at the collection points for WELCA’s Blanket Sunday (see below).

Why Health Kits?  People who must flee their homes quickly often do not have time to pack essential items. Health kits can help refugees maintain personal hygiene while living in exile. Items may also contribute to a new start for those who can return home.  Include the following items in each health kit:

  • One hand towel, dark color recommended
  • One washcloth, dark color recommended
  • One bath-size bar (4 to 5 oz.) of soap, any brand, in its original wrapping
  • One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging
  • One sturdy comb, remove packaging
  • One metal nail file or nail clippers with file attached, remove packaging (do not substitute cardboard emery boards for the file)
  • Six Band-Aids® (or similar brand), preferably 1/2″ to 3/4″; secure together with a rubber band

Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed. All items should be new and in good condition. Wrap smaller items in the washcloth; wrap washcloth and remaining items in the towel and tie securely with ribbons or yarn. Do not enclose the kit or any of its contents in plastic bags.

Note:  LWR’s approximate cost to handle and ship one LWR health kit overseas is $2.65.   Contributions by cash, check, or money order may be sent to:

Lutheran World Relief

PO Box 17061

Baltimore, MD 21298-9832

For general assembly instructions, please go to:  http://www.lwr.org/beinvolved/assembly.asp.

For packing instructions, please go to:  http://www.lwr.org/beinvolved/pack.asp.

Drop Off in October:  The completed health kits can be dropped off at the same time as blankets being collected by WELCA on Blanket Sunday (October 3).  Drop off locations include St. Luke, Williamsport; St. Matthew, Shamokin Dam; St. Matthew, Bloomsburg; and St. John, Lewistown.  The items may be dropped off on Sunday, October 10, from 3-5 p.m. or Monday, October 11, from 10 a.m. to noon.  From there, they begin their trek to New Windsor, Maryland, and around the world.

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