Five weeks after an 8.0 earthquake devastated Pisco, Peru, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to work with other organizations to send more relief supplies to the affected area.
Through a coordinated effort between the Church, Gossner Foods, DHL International and ASTAR Air Cargo, 40,000 pounds of hygiene kits, blankets, school kits and ultra-high temperature milk — a milk that has been specially processed and packaged so that no refrigeration is required until it is opened — will be delivered to Pisco.
Rick Foster, Welfare Services spokesman for the Church, acknowledged the generosity of DHL and ASTAR Air Cargo in providing transport for the shipment and Gossner Foods for providing the milk. Pilar Nores de García, the First Lady of Peru, said milk is one of the most needed commodities.
Foster said that humanitarian aid is part of the Church's “core mission,” and expressed gratitude that others were willing to partner with the Church in “blessing the lives of those in need.”
The plane will depart from Wilmington, Ohio, on 29 September 2007. All supply deliveries are being coordinated closely with the Peruvian Civil Defense Agency and the office of the First Lady of Peru.
Local Church leaders continue to work with Pisco residents to find safe housing, food and water. Thousands of blankets have already been sent and Church buildings have been used for shelter.