UPDATED (7pm, 1/20) 1 HOUR LEFT Time’s up!

Thanks to the proactive generosity of so many (Swedish American Hospitals, schoolchildren and their parents, Wesley Willows retirement community, Rockford Lutheran Schools, Meg’s Daily Grind, and countless individuals in Rockford and neighboring communities–too many to name), it has been estimated that we have now received over $250,000 worth of medical supplies and baby formula since 3pm yesterday. “Who [are we] that we should be able to offer as generously as this? For all things come from You, and from Your hand we have given You”
(c.f., I Chronicles 29:14-20).

Jump directly to LIST of needed medical supplies

If you’re part of the Rockford/Chicagoland area and have an opportunity to donate supplies, please consider this immediate opportunity to send medical supplies on a free trip to Haiti:

from Bob Bixby to the Morning Star Church family (3:24pm, 1/19/2010)

We have 24 hours. We found a small medical team comprised of Haitians leaving for Haiti this coming Friday and they have just received the right to take as many medical supplies and material as they can WITHOUT fee on Delta Airlines! The needs are desperate and there is a very practical way we can help: we can get as much stuff as we can collect to their depot in New York City by Thursday afternoon. That means tomorrow night a crew of volunteers start driving, and I really think we ought to step up to the plate and make it happen. So, starting tonight (Tues.1/19) at 6pm we will have the church doors open until 10pm, and then all day tomorrow (Weds.1/20, from 7:30am, until 7:00pm) for people to bring in supplies that fall into one or both of the following categories: baby formula and medical supplies (as per the list we have below).

Babies are dehydrating and dying. One very real, very practical, very instantaneous way we can help is to make it possible for these babies to have a fighting chance at life. We cannot go there ourselves, make the bottles, and feed them. How I would love to do it if I could. I know many of you would as well. But we can — most of us — buy at least one can of formula. Many can buy more. Maybe you can buy some of the medical supplies or you know a doctor who would give to our project.

Already, Wesley Willows is providing boxes for us to take! We’ve asked other places. If a donor understandably wants more information about who they are donating to, please contact Jeremy Scott (jeremy@wordcentered.org|815.721.6412) for more details. Jeremy and I will drive through the night unless we get replaced by enthusiastic volunteers!

Folks, this is just a neighborly gesture. It’s a small thing. The organization that we are helping is Christian. It’s a cup of cold water. Let’s do something. As I’ve said before, we are going to do some long term relief work in the near future, but this is something we should be able to do immediately with immediate impact.

I can’t believe I’m saying this: Go shopping!

Pastor Bob Bixby

In addition to baby formula, please scan this list of medical supplies to see if you can provide any of these items:

A lot of masks
Gauze Sterile
betadine
Elastic Bandages
All kinds of bandages
Tents

Antibiotics
ampicilin 500mg
amoxicilin 500mg
gentamicin 80mg
metronidazol 500mg

Analgesic
naproxen - 275mg 500mg
Diclofenac injectable
omeprazol - 20mg

Suture
Silk 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 needle Cutting, Taper
Dermalon 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 5-0 needle cutting
Chronic Catgut 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0 needle taper
Vicryl 1-0, 2-0, 3-0, 4-0, 5-0 needle taper

Surgical instruments
Needle holder
Hemostatic grips
Disposable suture kits
Saws

Solution
Ringer Lactate serum
Dextrose saline 0.9%
Dextrose water 5%

Slings/Braces/Splints/Casts

Urine collectors
Intracat 18, 20, 22
Sterile gloves 7 and half, 8
Ointments (neomicin, basitracin, gentamicin)
Antibiotic ointments
Serum Anti-tetanic (has to be in ice, badly needed)
Peroxide
Thoracic drain 34, 36, 38
Thoracic drain tube
Scalpels
Lidocaine