STATEHOUSE (Feb. 22, 2010) - State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) announced today the men’s group at the Zanesville United Methodist Church (ZUM) is launching a second push for donations to Haiti disaster relief efforts.

During the initial effort, volunteers from the Blackford County courthouse and Norwell High School helped the church collect $2,000 in cash donations as well as 800 pounds of food, first-aid kits and flashlights, among other essential supplies.

Holdman - who years ago served as a missionary with his wife in Haiti - said the following items would be accepted at the church if delivered by noon on March 14:

• Snack-type foods, like Granola bars;
• Cereal;Peanut butter;
• Blankets;Towels; 
• Wash cloths;
• Personal hygiene items (soap, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.);
• First-aid kits, antibiotics;
• Flashlights and batteries; and
• Generators.

“So far, this effort has been a major success, and I urge those in our community to continue their generous giving,” Holdman said. “Another intensive collection drive will provide the opportunity for even more Hoosiers to make a positive impact in Haiti.”

While clothing items will not be accepted, cash donations are welcomed. Holdman said checks could be written to “ZUM Men” and either delivered or mailed to the church at 11811 Wayne St., Zanesville, IN 46799.

Donations will be shipped by the ZUM men’s group to Florida for Haiti delivery by Missionary Flights International. After receiving the supplies, the missionary group can fly small planes to Haiti, landing on remote airstrips to avoid interfering with national relief efforts.

Costs for shipping collected items to Florida will total $500, plus an additional $1,000 for a round-trip flight to Haiti. Holdman has challenged students at Van Buren Elementary School to collect $1,000 to help cover shipping expenses.

“It is important for the community to realize the necessity of even small items that help meet basic needs,” Holdman said. “Although we will accept donations on a continuous basis, anyone interested in contributing should act as soon as possible.”

Items may be delivered Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to noon and Saturday, March 27, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please call 1-260-638-4108 for more information.

According to news reports, the death toll from an earthquake that struck Haiti last month may reach 300,000.

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