First Graders Come To Haitis Rescue

SIDNEY – An outpouring of support from Sidney first graders is just one among many efforts nationally aimed at aiding the people of Haiti. The small nation was rocked by a 7.0 earthquake on Jan. 12 that left hundreds of thousands presumed dead and many more injured.

The efforts of Valerie Hoekema’s class to build health kits were to supplement the efforts of the United Methodist Committee on Relief, which is requesting health kits from its district churches in the state, including First United Methodist Church in Sidney.

UMCOR is on the verge of emptying its storage facilities that routinely stock kits, including baby kits and health kits. The health kits have been much needed in Haiti. They include one hand towel, one washcloth, one comb, one nail file or fingernail clippers, one bath-sized bar of soap, one toothbrush, six adhesive plastic strip sterile bandages, $1 to purchase toothpaste and $1 for shipping per kit. The kits can contain nothing more due to strict government rules.

To help with the effort, Soucie Trucking of Cambridge has volunteered to pick up the health kits from the six United Methodist districts in Nebraska. It will then transport them to Louisiana where they will be shipped to Haiti.

The deadline for the creation of the health kits is Feb. 3.