'You're the First People to Help Us'

Relief Teams Challenged by Gas Shortage, Heavy Snow but Still Distributing Food, Flood and Hygiene Kits

Contact: John Yeager, World Vision, 425-765-9845, jyeager@worldvision.org

NEW YORK, Nov. 2, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- As millions recovering in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy are still without power, World Vision relief workers are hard at work distributing much needed relief supplies with more on the way. World Vision, an international Christian relief and development organization, has sent out distribution teams to regions across the eastern United States hard-hit by the storm.

"You're the first people to help us. Thank you," was the reaction from one storm survivor who got help today at a distribution set up by World Vision in Far Rockaway, New York. Hundreds of food kits were distributed along with blankets and flood cleanup kits. Each flood cleanup kit for example, contains a mop, two brooms, sponges, bleach, a scrub brush, a bucket and gloves. World Vision has ordered an additional 9,000 blankets now en route. More New York distributions are scheduled for the days ahead. World Vision staff is working through the weekend. Crews are challenged by the lack of gasoline.

In Appalachia, where power is still out at the World Vision Storehouse in Philippi, West Virginia, heavy snows still limit mobility. This is the fourth day that facility has been shut down but food kits and water are still being distributed by staff.

Cleanup is progressing at the South Bronx World Vision Storehouse, heavily damaged Monday when the nearby East River flooded its banks destroying relief supplies. Relief supplies from World Vision's Domestic Disaster Headquarters in North Texas and International Distribution Centers in Denver and Pittsburgh are arriving at a second, newly-opened disaster relief distribution center in the South Bronx. "We're mobilizing hundreds of partners to reach thousands of people immediately," says Rick Miltimore, World Vision's National Director of Resources and Relief.

World Vision US is using existing pre-positioned supplies to help as it restocks shelves. "In the last four days, World Vision has replenished blankets, tarps and cleanup kits," says Miltimore. "Donations are critical to replenish our supplies. We're going to help restore these communities," says Miltimore.

In Haiti, torrential rains from Hurricane Sandy hit the capital, Port-au-Prince. More than 20 inches of rain fell in 24 hours, prompting widespread flooding, landslides and destruction of crops. More than 70 people died. World Vision has supplied tarpaulins, hygiene kits jerry-cans blankets, and sleeping mats to flood-affected Haitian families from pre-positioned supplies.

To help: www.worldvision.org/americanfamilies

Media Contact:
John Yeager World Vision U.S. - Media Relations 425-765-9845 jyeager@worldvision.org

About World Vision: World Vision is a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to helping children and their communities worldwide reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty. We serve the world's poor, regardless of a person's religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, visit www.worldvision.org.