Humanitarian Hygiene Kits!

I had an experience this past year that allowed me to hear about the difference one “hygiene kit” has made in countless people’s lives – through a ripple effect.  Specifically, I heard Mariama Kallon speak about how she received a hygiene kit in Sierra Leone Africa, and how she carried it around with her as she moved to different relatives’ homes, and then how she shared it’s supplies with a group of women she didn’t even know as they bathed in a river after they’d all been raped by rebel soldiers during civil unrest in the late 90’s.  She later joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and soon after desired to be a missionary – and ended up serving at Temple Square in Salt Lake City, UT.  It was there she learned where her hygiene kit had come from.  She was invited to stay with a family in Utah after her mission, and last year she traveled around the U.S. speaking to groups of women about her experience and telling how much the kits mean to the people who receive them.  She still has what is left of her kit and I saw it with my own eyes – a torn zip lock bag with a worn hand towel and a shampoo bottle.  (There is now a  DVD available about her experience - I received it for Christmas, and it touches my heart whenever I watch it.)  Here is a picture of me with Mariama. 

We all brought items to this conference (called Time Out For Women ) and assembled kits to donate to a local battered women and children’s shelter.

I was so moved when I heard her story, that I decided that every year for my birthday I will assemble humanitarian kits/supplies to donate to my church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for distribution around the world.  When these kits are distributed, it is done without regard to religion, race, etc – simply given to those in need. 

When I was thinking about what my goal should be, I decided that I will have a goal to assemble the number of kits to match my age.  So this year as I celebrate my 34^th birthday, my goal will be to assemble 34 hygiene kits.  (and I hope to even surpass this goal!)

I am asking for help with this project instead of any gifts.