Volunteer Donations for Wesleyan Mission, Isle de La Gonave

Folks in and near Orlando will have a short time to collect supplies to be sent to the Wesleyan mission and town of Anse-a-Galets. Room has been reserved in a 20' hi-cube container. Supplies from Orlando will be driven to a warehouse in W. Palm Beach for loading on Tuesday or so.

There is not much room in the container. Andy has calculated that we have available 500 cubic feet and a weight limit of 4000 pounds. We can not exceed either of these numbers. Strongly suggest that a person from the church be assigned with a clipboard to prioritize donated items with weight/volume of container in mind.

The container to La Gonave contains 40,000 pounds of rice, red beans, flour, sugar, and oil. The remaining 500 cubic feet will hopefully be used for priority items.

Strongly advise against shipping liquids (other than emergency medical supplies) as they might contaminate food in event of breakage. Advise against shipping aerosol products and flammables. No bottled water.

The mission in Anse-a-Galets advises a large need for used clothing. Goodwill, Salvation Army.

Medical supplies are critically needed. Hopefully someone has good connections with a doctor.

Consultation with professionals and the hospital indicates large need for:
     Tetanus vaccine - from physicians only - highest priority
     Saline solution IV bags available at med supply house - highest priority
     Sodium Bicarbonate (liquid available with MD order) to prevent renal failure from crush injuries
     IM and IV needles for tetanus vaccine and saline drip
     Antibiotics - oral or injectable - speak to a physician
     Gauze, 4X4 bandages, white tape
     Antibacterial ointment, neosporin etc
     Betadine or other topical disinfectants
     Exam gloves
     Tylenol, ibuprofen

If any volunteers in FL have a connection to medical people or medical supply house, they might procure some of these items. Others such as bandages, etc., are readily available.

Other items that would be helpful:
     At least 2 - 20x20 foot or larger tarps to protect the load on small boat to La Gonave
     Small tarps for shelters, rope
     Hygiene products (soap, toothpaste, toilet paper, baby-wipes, etc), feminine napkins (also usable for bandages), paper towels.
     bandaids
     plastic pails, cups
     collapsible water containers
     heavy duty (contractor grade) garbage bags
     Pool chlorine tabs or powder (used for disinfecting water and medical facilities)
     blankets
     batteries, flashlights, matches
     cases canned chicken (important in local diet)
     peanut butter
     tomato paste
     canned vegetables (pull top cans)