NEW YORK, NY, January 15, 2010-The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the world’s largest Jewish humanitarian assistance organization, in collaboration with the Afya Foundation, began loading their first container of supplies in New York City this morning at 9:30 a.m. to be shipped to victims of Haiti’s catastrophic earthquake.  The container, which is filled with hundreds of mattresses and blankets donated by Jewish Home Lifecare in New York City, will be shipped for Partners in Health International to manage the logistics of distribution on the ground in Haiti.
New Yorkers can participate right now by donating the following supplies to the drop-off location –
Afya’s Warehouse at 510 Nepperhan Avenue, Yonkers, NY 10701.
  • Sheets
  • Blankets
  • Sleeping Bags
  • Towels
  • Clothing
  • Water Purification Tablets
  • Water
  • Electrolyte Tablets
  • Small Water Buckets
  • Ensure (or any liquid food supplement)
  • Respiratory Masks
  • Personal Care Items
  • Gauze
  • Bandages
  • IV Starter Kits
  • Syringes
  • Gloves
  • Needles
  • Ringers
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Topical Antiseptic
  • Casting Materials
  • Cotton
  • Closed Toed Shoes
Please note supplies cannot be accepted which are expired or less than 5 months from expiration.
The Afya Foundation has been working in collaboration with Partners in Health International for many years to collect and deliver medical supplies that are donated by hospitals, health organizations, companies and people to communities in Haiti. 
JDC continues to conduct a full and rapid assessment of the situation on the ground, and is reaching out to its network of partners to determine immediate needs of the hardest-hit areas. These efforts are part of JDC’s International Development Program (IDP), which provides immediate relief and long-term assistance to victims of natural and manmade disasters. JDC and its partners worldwide have implemented similar relief efforts in more than 60 countries. Many IDP-operated programs are ongoing and are helping to rebuild infrastructure and community life in disaster-stricken regions.
Click to make a cash contribution.
About the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC)
Since 1914, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) has given global expression to the principle that all Jews are responsible for one another.  Working today in over 70 countries, JDC acts on behalf of North America’s Jewish communities and others to rescue Jews in danger, provide relief to those in distress, revitalize overseas Jewish communities and help Israel overcome the social challenges of its most vulnerable citizens.  JDC also provides non-sectarian emergency relief and long-term development assistance worldwide.  For more information, please log on to: www.JDC.org