NEWS RELEASE: Operation USA Receives Support from United Airlines, Celebrities Aiding Typhoon Recovery
Los Angeles, Calif., November 18, 2013 — Operation USA, a Los Angeles-based international agency providing relief and recovery from the immediate and long term effects of disasters, today confirmed that it has accepted support and donations from celebrity partners, including
Jessica Alba and the Honest Company, active board member Rosario Dawson, The Streisand Foundation, and Jackson Browne. The organization also confirms it is accepting funds through corporate partner United Airlines via the company’s
CrowdRise campaign for typhoon relief.
Operation USA’s CEO and President, Richard Walden, will visit the country for five days beginning November 20th to assess needs and meet with local partner agencies. The organization has also distributed water purification supplies in Tacloban, and will continue to distribute donated funds and in-kind materials through local partners in the Philippines as needs are identified.
“Operation USA appreciates the outpouring of public support from individual, foundation and corporate donors, including a number of celebrities who expressed concern for the families of Filipinos they have long worked alongside in entertainment,” said Walden.
Operation USA is still 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.
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.
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.
Operation USA will focus on long term projects supporting safe water, post traumatic stress and mental health treatment, education, and public health.
HOW TO HELP:
Donations to Operation USA will be allocated directly to relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines.
Donate online at
donate.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.
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
http://www.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.
Richard Walden is available as an expert source on Filipino affairs and international relief aid.
PRESS CONTACT:
Mary Dolan
Operation USA
mdolan@opusa.org
323-413-2353