Liberia Shipment update

News From Browntown
Our last shipment of medical supplies to Liberia arrived safely but ran into a logistical problem with delivery to Merlin's Monrovia offices (Merlin's logistical problem not ours). Sarah Agbator, our contact in Monrovia, e-mailed me about the problem and together we made a decision to move forward in another direction so as not to waste the supplies. Because of Sarah's expertise, scrupulous honesty and excellent contacts, our shipment was donated to another very worthwhile organization which has great need.

Sarah contacted David Clarke, Secretary General of the Liberian Red Cross, and offered the donation which was accepted immediately and gratefully. Here is an excerpt from Sarah's report:

Mr. Clarke was very, very happy to hear this news and expressed his profound thanks and appreciation to you for identifying with the Red Cross at this time when they have been calling for help.

Mr. Clarke said the Red Cross operates a center called The Carter Center. The center, he added, caters to over two hundred children including orphans, raped children, and girls used in the war as soldiers' wives and their children. He was happy that the items will be of great help to the children.

Four days later, I was invited to make a formal presentation of the items. Rev. Diggs, who is the head of the Carter Center, was on hand to receive the barrels. Photos were taken during the presentation. I will send them to you when they are printed and delivered to me. Rev. Diggs expressed his appreciation to you for the donation.

Sarah is the perfect person to help us with this little project because of her medical background as a nurse, her extensive contacts among the humanitarian relief organizations in Liberia and her direct connection to the U.S. Embassy where her husband is employed. She is also well aware (without being asked or having it called to her attention) of the need for accountability and documentation of proper delivery of donations. That documentation assures the donations are actually getting to where they are needed most and not being diverted to the black market or wasted in some way. I will post the pix on the blog when I get them.

Dad and I will be sending more barrels this month. There are enough medical supplies and milk here to fill four or five barrels - we just need the funds to ship that many. Grammy, Dad and I are covering the cost of a couple barrels, Kris and Christian and Emmalee are helping to cover cost of another.

Mr. Garbla is getting ready to ship for Christmas delivery. Barrels have to be in his shop in Hyattsville, MD by the last week-end in October. Dad and I will deliver the barrels to MD by that deadline.

Shipping cost is $150.00 per barrel. If you want to help, send a check to LOEP, c/o B. Iden, 370 Browntown Road, Browntown, VA 22610.

Just within our own extended family what a huge impact we could make on the lives of some orphan children this Christmas! We could actually fill four or five barrels with what is here waiting for shipment. We just need the shipping costs. I will be approaching a couple of local civic groups about helping out with shipping costs since it is a Christmas delivery.

Merry Christmas!