One month after the earthquake in Haiti Your support provides hope for a country February 12, 2010 Dear Friends of Mission Outreach, One month after the earthquake that devastated Haiti and drew the attention of the world, Haiti mourns its losses and plans for the future. Today, Mission Outreach observed a moment of silence in solidarity with the people of Haiti. We also prayed for each of you who have assisted us in the overwhelming response to those in need. Your support has been instrumental in the initial response to this crisis, your continued support is necessary as we look beyond the crisis and to the rebuilding of a nation.  As the result of your generosity, we intend to send an additional $1 million dollars of medical aid to Haiti in the coming weeks and months. At the same time, we will continue to assist others in need around the world. Below are a few examples of how so many have offered your generous support. Thank you! Volunteers As always, Mission Outreach depends on our volunteers. In 2009, volunteers gave an average of 700 hours/month. In the month of January our volunteers gave an incredible 1,801 hours. What a great response to the crisis in Haiti.  Volunteers, we salute you! Hospitals The response from the 46 hospitals who participate in our Partners in Recycling program has been a true testament to their dedication to assist those in need. Many of the hospitals have taken special collections of the most requested items and financial contributions to assist with the costs associated with acquiring, preparing and shipping the medical equipment and supplies. Thanks to all of our Partners in Recycling (Hospital Sisters Health System, Provena Health, OSF Healthcare, Resurrection HealthCare, Wheaton Franciscan Health Care, Holy Family Memorial Hospital, Prevea Health and Rush University Medical Center) for your ongoing support! Corporate Donations Our corporate partners have made an enormous impact on our ability to supply Haiti with the medical supplies.  We would like to recognize: Medtronic, Medline, ULINE, Levi Strauss, Malt Industries, H.D. Smith, B.R.A.T. Diet LLC, Sobel Westex, St. Louis Medical Supply, RealReligion and Telecard Networks for their outpouring of support of over $2,500,000 in product donations. Charitable Organizations We have been blessed with many wonderful not-for-profit partners.  We would like to thank Midwest Food Bank, Midwest Mission Distribution Center, Sharing Resources, Green Bay Medical Missions, Vitamin Angels, Timmy Foundation, TriMedx Foundation and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for their priceless contributions. Without their participation we would not have made the same impact! Containers To date, thirteen 40-foot containers of life-saving supplies and equipment have been sent to Haiti in cooperation with some of our partners. We have worked with Food for the Poor, the U.S. Navy, Cross International, Partners in Health, Crisis Response International and Catholic Medical Mission Board. The contents of these containers weighed more than 243,356 lbs and are valued at over $1,941,000. Hand Carry Donations Since the earthquake, we’ve sent more than 2,838 lbs of items valued at more than $57,500 to groups or individuals traveling to Haiti. These items were packed into boxes and suitcases and taken with relief workers for use on the ground. Mission Outreach Staff Special thanks to the dedicated staff at Mission Outreach. Our entire staff has worked tirelessly, many times late into the night, to ensure that the needy in Haiti will receive the best we have to offer. As a staff, we know that we can offer nothing less. Mission Outreach and Social Networking If you have a Facebook account, you can find us there. Just click on this link. You can also follow us on Twitter. Just look for Hospital Sisters Mission Outreach.