5.15.2008 - 04:30pm ET

(CSRwire) Will develop “Comfort for Kids” program to help youth cope


PORTLAND,OR - May 15, 2008 - Mercy Corps' emergency response team working in Sichuan province reports that better weather has opened up transportation to all areas of the earthquake-affected region and more than 22 truckloads of lifesaving supplies were delivered to survivors today. Supplies include food and shelter: biscuits, water, milk, noodles and tents. Mercy Corps' material aid team is working on plans to send medicines including antibiotics. Mercy Corps has established an office in Chongqing near the quake's epicenter.

"The good news is that we're able to reach people in more isolated areas today and all roads are open," reported Mercy Corps aid worker Joy Portella. "The bad news is that it was a very sad and emotional day for many people as more bodies were uncovered from rubble and people realize that those counted as missing may not be alive this many days after the disaster."

The Chinese government reported that the death toll could reach 50,000. Mercy Corps' relief team is particularly concerned about the psychological needs of children, who are often most affected by crises of this scale. Plans are being made to develop a "Comfort for Kids" program to help youth and caregivers cope with the tremendous loss.

Mercy Corps announced today that it will partner with the All China Youth Federation, a China-based umbrella organization that works with a large and diverse network of local groups. They have more than 400 million members.

Updates from aid workers will be posted on Mercy Corps web site www.mercycorps.org

Mercy Corps is currently accepting donations for humanitarian assistance to cyclone victims. Distribution of donations will be monitored by Mercy Corps and reputable local partner organizations.

HOW TO HELP:
Mercy Corps
China Earthquake Fund
Dept NR
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
www.mercycorps.org

1-800-852-2100

Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.5 billion in assistance to people in 106 nations. Supported by headquarters offices in North America and Europe, the agency's global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach more than 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries. Over the past five years, more than 89 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org.

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