Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
This account is reprinted, with permission of the author, from Quaker-P* on April 5, 1999.
Dear Friends,
In response to the devastating tragedy in Kosovo, the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) is taking action in several areas. We have called on the U.S. Administration to halt the bombing and concentrate on non-military means of solving the crisis.
While we do not have staff on the ground at this time, the AFSC has provided targeted technical assistance and other aid in small quantities to the former Yugoslavia since 1996. We have good relations with groups in the region and are working closely with three partner organizations: Mercy Corps, Mother Theresa Society, and Motrat Qiriazi (a women’s group).
- On April 1, a shipment of more than 7,300 Kits for Kosovo (containing
diapers, children’s vitamins, soap, and a stuffed toy), blankets, hand-knit
and other clothing left the Emergency Material Assistance Program warehouse
in Philadelphia for Macedonia, where Mercy Corps, one of our partner
agencies, will receive and distribute the kits to displaced persons fleeing
Kosovo. The kits were collected as a result of a campaign initiated during
the winter, which also brought in $60,000 to pay for the shipping and
purchase of medicines.
- We are accepting financial contributions, which will be designated for
the immediate purchase and shipment of essentials (such as medicines,
fortified milk powder, vitamins, diapers) and for future reconstruction and
reconciliation efforts. Checks should be made out to AFSC-Kosovo Relief and
sent to AFSC Development, 1501 Cherry St., Phila. PA 19102. Mastercard or
Visa can be used by calling our toll-free number: 1-888-588-2372.
- We are encouraging groups (especially children who want to do something)
to assemble Emergency Kits for Kosovars containing:
- one bath size bar of soap
- one hand towel
- one box of assorted bandages, approx. 50 per box
- one tube of triple antibiotic ointment
- six candles (called emergency or plumber’s candles, 4" to 8" long)
Items should be packed in a clear plastic zip lock bag no larger than 12" x 12". With each bag, we are requesting a $5 donation to cover shipping costs and the purchase of additional items. Kits should be mailed to AFSC/EMAP, 1501 Cherry St., Phila. PA 19102 by May 15.
(see web at www.afsc.org/emap/kosemerg.htm)
- The AFSC is accepting donations of infants’ and children’s clothing (heavy and light-weight) that is clean and in good condition.
Please check our web site at www.afsc.org.
We know that you are praying with us for a speedy and practical resolution to this war, one that will make it possible for all of those affected by the bombing and hostilities to live without fear and conflict.
Karen Cromley, AFSC
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Revised April 8, 1999, by C.S.