Disaster Relief Kits with The Home Depot

USA – Special Report from Anthony Lloyd, Senior Director of Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief

Operation Blessing joined The Home Depot at our Ocala, Florida Warehouse with one goal – assemble 3,000 disaster relief kits in record time. As the Home Depot associates began pouring in the front door, you could feel the anticipation build. This was going to be a day to remember.

Excited Home Depot Volunteers

The cheerful mood continued to grow to a crescendo during the famous Home Depot cheer! Annette, The Home Depot’s spokesperson, shouted, “Gimmie an H.” The associates rallied with a booming, “H.” “Gimmie an O.” The associates answered, “O.” Then Annette tossed colorful pieces of laminated paper in the air while the team thundered each letter, spelling Home Depot. With a final shout Annette asked, “What does that spell?” “Home Depot!” The crowd erupted with applause.

Next was morning orientation, where Shannan Hurley prepped the crowd for the day’s events. During that time, Operation Blessing’s Tom Wiley shared a story about his personal experience where these kits blessed families devastated by Hurricanes Florence and Michael. Then Ken Dixon, District Manager for The Home Depot, thanked the volunteers for their help. He also shared his own story about the importance of helping families in times of disaster.

Volunteer Work Makes a Difference

As the volunteers hurried to their stations, ready to assemble their kits, I was left with these thoughts. This work is important, it matters. Even though we’re about to have a lot of fun, the impact these kits will have on families is powerful.

With music playing on the loud speakers and shouts of joy ringing in the air, 104 associates from 10 different stores in the north/central Florida area began their mission. Two teams, one goal – assemble 1,500 buckets first.

There was such excitement as the associates began filling those Home Depot buckets with disaster relief supplies you had to shout to be heard. Cleaning supplies, trash bags, gloves – that’s what went in these buckets: items helpful for hurricane relief and flood relief. But what went on top was a message of hope, and love. Associates wrote messages on these bucket tops to remind devastated families there are people who care.

Volunteers racing to pack supplies.

As buckets went whizzing by, associates hammered lids and shrink-wrapped pallet upon pallet of disaster relief kits. You could look across the sea of hard-working volunteers and see high fives and hugs amidst all the work getting done. This was a place of joy.

Thank You to Our Partner The Home Depot

Even though Sheila Griffin’s Team 1 came out on top, the spirit of camaraderie was in the air! After Team 1 finished, they graciously helped Kevin Walker’s Team 2 get their kits assembled. With loud horns blaring and shouts in the air, they got all the buckets finished in only 1 hour and 5 minutes! We were delighted by how quickly these teams got this work done. And so were they – because next came lunchtime.

High fives between Operation Blessing and Home Depot volunteers

Thank you so much to The Home Depot and everyone who makes these events possible. And thank you to you for supporting Operation Blessing and making it possible for us to serve disaster victims in times of need! To help even more people, visit our disaster relief fund or sign up as a disaster relief volunteer. And enjoy more pictures from Team Depot Day here.

Water Wells Around the World

WORLDWIDE – Nothing is as essential as water. All of human life revolves around it. But for those living in poor and remote regions of the world, finding water can be a constant battle. That’s why few things have more power to transform a village, community, or region than access to clean water.

As a generous Operation Blessing supporter, you’re transforming lives with clean water. Around the world, you ensure that OB’s powerful and innovative water solutions are reaching those in need.

Chaparathipalem Village, India:

Before, the only sources of water in this remote Indian village were an open well and a small, muddy stream where cattle drank. Villagers had to carry water long distances, and there often wasn’t enough to go around. Then, thanks to the support of our faithful friends, Operation Blessing dug a new well right in the village.

Now all 150 people living there have access to all the clean, safe water that they need!

Kanhchum Village, Cambodia:

The 15 families of Kanhchum depended on a pond for their water. But the water wasn’t clean. Garbage and chemicals from the rice fields contaminated the pond, causing many villagers to suffer with water related illnesses.

But that all changed when OB partners like you provided a new well in the village. Now, everyone has access to clean water and the sickness is gone!

Ban Chaem Luang, Thailand:

With their own well running dry, villagers had to hike over a mile to a small creek to retrieve water. There simply wasn’t enough water to go around. Then generous Operation Blessing partners intervened and a new well was dug in the village.

Now there is plenty of clear, safe water for everyone!

These are just a few of the villages that compassionate Operation Blessing supporters like you have changed forever with the gift of clean water from new water wells. Thank you for your continued kindness and ongoing support!

Mother’s Day – Nurturing Mothers and Babies

WORLDWIDE – Celebrating the many ways you serve mothers around the world on Mother’s Day!

He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms,
holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.
– Isaiah 40:11 (NLT)

Just as mothers nurture and care for their precious babies, they themselves need special love and care during this amazing yet challenging time of life.

When mothers thrive, families thrive. This year, we celebrate Mother’s Day by remembering the many ways you’ve served mothers and their little ones around the world.

Operation Blessing partners always have the well-being of mothers in mind. Through free ultrasounds, prenatal care, new mother kits, improving birthing facilities, or by providing nutritional, financial, and business support, you take care of mothers when they need it most. Thank you!

Mass Exodus From Venezuela

COLOMBIA – Thousands of Venezuelans continue to flood the border of Colombia, leaving behind their homes in search of a better life. A lack of financial stability, food, and resources is driving Venezuelans to make the largest exodus in recent Latin American history. Pain, fear, and hunger mark the path away from home. However, thanks to generous partners like you, Operation Blessing is positioned at the Colombian border to provide these refugees with life-sustaining resources, including food, clean water, and medical treatment. To learn how you can help desperate Venezuelan families, visit ob.org/crisis.

Disaster Kit – Ensure Your Family’s Safety

An Operation Blessing worker helps a tornado victim. A disaster preparedness kit is helpful in these situations.

UNITED STATES – Tornado season is upon us in the United States, and hurricane season will follow closely at its heels. Operation Blessing staff, partners, and volunteers stand ready to help those in desperate need. While each year we pray for the best, we also want to make certain that your family is ready for any situation. Be sure to have a family emergency plan, know the early signs of disasters, follow weather updates, and have an emergency disaster preparedness kit.

Prepare Your Disaster Prep Kit

Disaster Preparedness Kit: Place important documents in sealed Ziploc bags and pack emergency supplies in plastic storage bins sealed with duct tape.

• Water—1 gallon per person per day (plus water for pets!)
• Canned Foods – soups, pasta, meats, vegetables, fruits, and can opener
• Nutrient rich snacks like nuts, granola bars, beef jerky, etc.
• Powdered or canned milk, instant coffee, tea, and other drinks
• Crackers, cereals, peanut butter, jelly
• Baby food, formula, and pet food as needed
• Map of your area
• Flashlight with extra bulbs and batteries
• Battery operated TV or radio, lantern, clock and extra batteries
• Plastic garbage bags
• Basic tools—wrench, pliers, scissors, water proof matches, fire extinguisher
• Essential supplies—hygiene items, medications, first aid, baby and pet supplies
• Change of clothes, rain gear, boots
• Sleeping bags and pillows
• Important contact information
• Birth certificates, social security numbers, passports
• Mortgage or rental contracts, insurance information, retirement documents
• List of illnesses, medications, and allergies

Heartbreak in Haiti

HAITI – Special Report by Eric Lotz, director of OB Haiti

Heartbroken. That’s how I felt yesterday as I listened to the community leader at Bois Negresse, Haiti, speak the painful truths about his community’s plight.

I began the day earlier than normal, with my alarm clock set to 4:00 am. I had some peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and protein bars already packed, counting on them to sustain me through the long day. My goal was to reach the Pine Forest area of rural Haiti and return again all in the same day, after visiting the two Operation Blessing mobile medical clinics.

The narrow and rocky mountain roads required every ounce of capability from the 4X4 SUV that I was driving, and tested my limits as I attempted to wind safely through the dangerous hillsides. Six hours later, I arrived in Bois Negresse, an extremely remote mountain village in the eastern part of Haiti, close to its border with the Dominican Republic. The village is perched on the side of a mountain about one mile above sea level.

Desperate Need in Haitian Mountains

There I found beautiful mountain views, amazing panoramas of the valley below, productive garden plots, and lush tree groves which produce revolving crops of avocado, breadfruit, mango, and oranges. The village is almost a spot of paradise, except for one major missing component—there is no health clinic.

Upon arriving, I struck up a conversation with the community leader, Augustine Calistal. I asked him to explain for me the importance of the Operation Blessing medical clinic that was going on behind us. He succinctly and somberly explained the situation in his village. “When someone has a fever or serious illness, more often than not the only place we can send them is to the cemetery,” he said with a broad sweep of his hand toward that final resting place.

Mr. Calistal went on to explain more of the difficulty. The closest medical clinic is a three hour walk over treacherous landscape. I had experienced some of this terrain myself as I made my drive that morning. I understood well how the cemetery would become the only option for those too sick to muster the strength for the three-hour hike.

Medical Care Makes a Huge Difference

Because of you, Operation Blessing spent two days in Bois Negresse bringing much needed medical care. Four doctors, three nurses, and two pharmacists comprised the team that treated 568 residents of the surrounding community. For many of the children, this was their first time being seen by a pediatrician. Another first was for the women of the community, who received their first screenings for cervical cancer, an illness with a high occurrence in Haiti. Operation Blessing treated many acute and chronic conditions, and educated the residents on the importance of diet and exercise with regard to their health.

I was truly heartbroken for the community as Mr. Calistal had illustrated with one sweep of his arm the extent of options his community had for the sick. But my heart was also warmed in knowing that Operation Blessing partners are helping to meet a very real need for them. Because of the generosity of our donors, we were able to bring not only life-saving medical care, but also hope. The people of Bois Negresse now know that they are not alone in their plight.

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Extreme Home Makeover – Operation Blessing Style!

This family of three who had been struck by two hurricanes just received an extreme home makeover from Operation Blessing and The Home Depot.

NORTH CAROLINA – Divya, Terry, and their twelve-year-old son Lucas lived through the heartache of seeing their home in Lumberton, NC, destroyed not once, but twice by hurricane flooding. But thanks to The Home Depot Foundation and Operation Blessing supporters like you, their tragedy is turning to triumph through an extreme home makeover they never imagined.

Divya grew up in Lumberton, and she received her grandmother’s house when she passed away. That place was very special to her and always takes her back to her childhood. She said simply, “It’s home.” So when Hurricane Matthew struck in 2016, the family decided to repair their home and stay put.

They felt certain that Matthew had been a once in a hundred years’ storm. They worked hard to get their home back into shape. Meanwhile, Divya continued working at her small salon in town, and Terry as a corrections officer.

Divya was left this home in Lumberton, North Carolina, by her grandmother.

When Hurricane Florence headed their way this year, they thought their house would be fine. Still, they heeded the warnings to get to higher ground just to make sure they didn’t get trapped. And they took all the precautions they could to protect their house.

It wasn’t until after the worst of the storm, when a nearby river crested later that week, that tragedy struck for a second time. Divya experienced the heartache of seeing her home destroyed with contaminated water and mold once again. She said, “For lack of a better word, it’s a disaster…. I was kind of numb. You don’t want it to be true.”

Facing the flooding with no flood insurance for the second time proved truly challenging for the family. But they managed to maintain their faith. In the midst of it all Divya quoted Romans 8:28. “’All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.’ So that’s where I’m finding peace.”

Divya greeting the Operation Blessing disaster relief volunteers who helped with her flood damaged home.

As Operation Blessing disaster relief volunteers showed up on the scene to help remove flooring, sheet rock, and damaged items from the home, matters began to look up for the family. At the time, Divya said, “Thank you to those who give…. I’m grateful and my heart is leaping. I have some hope now.”

Little did they suspect the relief they received at that time was just the beginning of the blessings in store! On November 27th the couple had a chance to attend The Tonight Show. But they had no idea the surprise waiting for them.

An Operation Blessing disaster relief volunteer helping with Divya's flooded home.

Jimmy Fallon asked them to stand and share a little about their story. Then, to their shock, he announced that The Home Depot Foundation and Operation Blessing would be completely restoring their home. Divya cried as he explained they would receive a new roof, insulation, furnace, flooring, appliances, landscaping, furniture, and more! Then their son Lucas surprised them to join in for a big hug. Check out the heartwarming video.

Once the full extent of the damage to their home was discovered, it was determined that the family would need to move into another, safer home in their town that Operation Blessing and The Home Depot would help fix up. Then Home Depot and Operation Blessing volunteers renovated and refurnished it. This week, the extreme home makeover — known in OB circles as an Extreme Blessing — will be revealed.

UPDATE:

You Sent Relief After Historic Floods in Nebraska

After floods in Nebraska, Linda and her husband, Ralph, stand in front of a pile of flood-soaked belongings.

NEBRASKA – When historic flooding inundated much of the Midwest earlier this year, the destruction was beyond what many residents had ever experienced. “In 20 years I’ve never had [water] get up into the cabin,” said Jack, a long time resident of the area. “But the floods just came through and did a lot of damage to a lot of houses around here.”

Linda, another long-time resident, echoed Jack’s sentiment. “Even as a child I can’t remember Fremont being surrounded by water like it was,” she said. “Now everything is destroyed.”

For flood victims like these, the task of cleaning up and rebuilding can be incredibly overwhelming. But, thanks to faithful Operation Blessing friends like you, Nebraskans like Jack and Linda did not have to face these challenging times alone.

As soon as the waters began to recede, Operation Blessing’s U.S. Disaster Relief team arrived on the scene. They set up headquarters at Good Shepherd Church in Fremont, Neb., and the call for volunteers went out.

It wasn’t long before teams of blue-shirted Operation Blessing volunteers were arriving at homes like Jack’s and Linda’s. They tackled the laborious work of tearing up ruined floors, cutting out soaked drywall and insulation, and hauling off water-logged furniture and appliances. Volunteers also helped grieving families sort through and recover treasured memories and possessions.

Flood victims were thankful for the help. “We are so appreciative to Operation Blessing for coming and helping us,” Jack said. Linda shared a similar sentiment. “We can’t say enough thank-yous for you guys to come and help us out like this.”

Thanks to your generous support, and the selflessness of all the Operation Blessing volunteers, flood victims in some of the hardest hit areas of Nebraska have received help, relief and hope during a very hard and painful time. Thank you for your kindness and compassion that is touching lives in Nebraska and around the world!

Venezuela Humanitarian Crisis

COLOMBIA – The country of Venezuela is facing a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. As seen in the news headlines, Venezuelan families urgently need food, electricity, medical care, and other vital supplies. People are hungry, suffering and even dying. They are truly victims of an unimaginable man-made catastrophe in their country. But thanks to you, Operation Blessing is on the ground in Colombia responding to the desperate cries for help coming out of the Venezuela humanitarian crisis.

Refugees Flee Crisis

At the Colombian border, floods of refugees are making the dangerous illegal crossing due to the crisis in Venezuela. As one of the Venezuelan refugees, six-year-old Joel, put it, “There was no food there.” These families are traversing rivers and facing violent government gangs and drug cartels as they flee the desperate situation. But they’re willing to do anything to save their children and their own lives.

A young man named Javier fleeing Venezuela said, “Before people when people migrated, they prepared…. But now people are so desperate, they just grab the first thing they have and come.” He watched families fleeing without even proper clothing. And he believes the Venezuela crisis will continue to get much, much worse.

Operation Blessing Provides Humanitarian Aid

Upon Operation Blessing’s arrival at the Colombian border, our team quickly identified refugees, including families with small kids, traveling long distances on the edge of highways at night in search of relief. Our team immediately began handing out solar lights to help keep these travelers safe. They also noticed urgent unmet needs for medical care, clean water, and hygiene supplies.

Because of your support, a full OB disaster relief team deployed for the Colombian border. Working with refugee stations that organizations like YWAM Colombia had already set up along the way, Operation Blessing medical teams quickly got to work caring for these Venezuelans in great need.

Relief for Exhausted Venezuelan Refugees

Many of the refugees suffered from skin disorders, leg pain, and back pain after their long journey. Operation Blessing staff attended to the sore and injured feet of those who had walked so far to safety. Others needed attention for serious health conditions and were thankful to find medical care.

During this time, thanks to OB friends like you, the team continued distributing solar lights. They brought joy to the downtrodden children with Superbook programs. And they tackled providing clean water solutions to the shelters and refugee camps, starting with a busy outpost near the border.

Providing Water, Food, and Medical Relief

Once basic care was established, you also provided a party with entertainment and hamburgers—a rare treat for these refugees—to encourage and uplift them. And you set up a priceless baby feeding station for the youngest and most vulnerable children who have been lacking proper nourishment for far too long.

You are making a true difference in the midst of this horrific Venezuela crisis. You are giving hope to the desperate and putting smiles on the faces of children in need. Please consider giving a special gift for Venezuelan refugees today. Thank you!

Clean Water for Venezuelan Refugee Shelter

PAMPLONA, COLOMBIA – For the thousands of families fleeing Venezuela, access to clean water is scarce. Even in the shelters many struggle with dehydration or sickness from drinking unclean water. Thanks to our generous partners, Operation Blessing was able to install a water purification system at Marta’s shelter to aid in hydration and healing for suffering children. To see how you can bless crisis victims like these, visit ob.org/crisis.

Learn more about the Venezuela humanitarian crisis.