NEWS RELEASE: Operation USA Aiding Recovery Efforts in the Philippines Following Major Typhoon
Los Angeles, Calif., November 11, 2013 –Operation USA, a Los Angeles-based international relief agency, announced today that it is has distributed water purification supplies and will continue to aid recovery efforts in communities in the Philippines and surrounding areas in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. The organization has called on long standing partnerships with local agencies to effectively aid recovery efforts through distribution of materials as well as grants.
Operation USA is calling for donations to aid in recovery efforts and funding for grant distribution to local agencies. The NGO is also seeking corporate partners across the healthcare, transportation, water purification, shelter construction and power generation sectors to provide donated in-kind supplies of which there is high need in areas affected by the typhoon, which is widely recognized as the largest storm to ever make landfall.
In Tacloban, a city leveled by the storm, Operation USA has already distributed water purification chemicals, which were pre-positioned in Manila and were quickly delivered where most needed. Water purification will be a top priority in affected areas until safe drinking water systems are restored.
“Donations are critical at this time to support shipments and deliver material aid to affected communities,” said Richard Walden, CEO of Operation USA. “We need to deliver millions more water purification tablets, as well as medical equipment to replace that which was lost in the storm. As communities start to rebuild and recover, we need the public’s support to better target the education and healthcare sectors.”
Needs continue to arise as another major storm bears down on the country this week.
Operation USA has worked in the Philippines since 1986, providing water purification chemicals, shelter materials, medicines and medical equipment. The organization maintains strong working relationships with partner organizations on the ground through which recovery aid will be distributed following this week’s storms.
HOW TO HELP:
Donations to Operation USA will be allocated directly to relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines.
Donate online at
give.opusa.org, by phone at 1-800-678-7255 or, by check made out to Operation USA, PO BOX 36188, Los Angeles, CA 90036-0188. Donations can also be made via text message: text AID to 50555 to donate $10. Text donations are collected for the benefit of Operation USA by the mGive Foundation and subject to the terms found at
www.mGive.org/t.
Donate to United Airline’s Crowdrise campaign for Typhoon Haiyan recovery to earn bonus miles and help Operation USA earn matching donations. More info at
Crowdrise.com/UnitedRelief.
Corporate donations supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts — bulk quantities of disaster- appropriate supplies, transportation and shipping services, shelter, power generation, water purification and medical supplies — are also being requested.
United and Continental air miles can be donated to Operation USA through United Airlines Charity Miles program at
United.com.
About OPERATION USA:
Founded in 1979, Operation USA helps communities alleviate the effects of disasters, disease and endemic poverty by providing privately-funded relief, reconstruction and development aid throughout the world. The Los Angeles based non-government organization offers material and financial assistance to community-based organizations that promote sustainable development, leadership and capacity building, income generating activities, education, health services, and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable people. Learn more at www.OpUSA.org.
Richard Walden is available as an expert source on Filipino affairs and international relief aid.