LOCAL COMMUNITY HELPS MAP INTERNATIONAL PROVIDE PERSONAL CARE ITEMS TO HURRICANE VICTIMS IN NORTH CAROLINA

Brunswick, GA September 23, In the wake of Hurricane Floyd, floods of biblical proportions drown the dreams of the residents of Tarboro, N. Carolina and surrounding areas. Even now over 10,000 people are homeless and in shelters. But amid the suffering, hope takes the shape of makeshift villages of campers and trailer homes. Thousands of people struggle to reassemble their lives without electricity, running water or basic hygiene supplies.

Through the generosity of the residents and businesses of Glynn and surrounding counties, MAP International is sending over one (1) ton of personal care items such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, combs/brushes, baby powder and disposable diapers. A local Brunswick quilting group meeting weekly at St. James Lutheran church, is providing four (4) boxes of handmade quilts. "Imagine the warmth of having something that belongs to just you," said Patti Sandow, MAP’s Manager of Gift in Kind Acquisition. "Those children have lost everything. The quilts will surround them with our love."

These items are being shipped to the Reverend Jan Milton in Fayetteville, NC for distribution . The items will be personally handed out among the shelter residents by the retired members of a local congregation.

"This isn’t the first time our community has come through for the less fortunate," said Suzanne Baroody, MAP’s Director of Public Relations, "Our generous citizens recently provided a ton of personal care items for the Kosovo crisis. We are proud to be located in Brunswick and members of such a caring community."

MAP (Medical Assistance Programs) International, founded in 1954, is a non-profit, Christian, global relief and development agency located in Brunswick, GA. MAP provides medicines, medical supplies and community based health training programs to the poor in over 100 countries regardless of race, religion or national origin. MAP depends on the generosity of individuals, foundations and churches. For every $1 donated, MAP provides $21 in donated medicines and medical supplies. Only 1.4% of total revenue is used for administration and fundraising.