The contents of each of these "starter sets" are such simple, small things -- pencils, tablets, washcloths, a bit of fabric, a scrub brush -- but having or not having them can make a world of difference in an on-going development program or when disaster strikes.

That's why Health, Clean-up, and School Kits are among the items most requested by our overseas partners each year. The need is great, and we can never have too many on hand. Layettes and sewing kits are in demand, too but in much smaller quantities.

Health Kit

• One hand towel
• One washcloth
• One comb
• One nail file
• One bar of soap (bath size)
• One toothbrush
• One tube of toothpaste (4-7 ounces)
• Six band-aids

Bundle all items into the towel and tie it together with ribbon or yarn. Or, if you prefer, a donation of $12 will allow Church World Service to provide a Health Kit.


Clean-Up Kit

• One bucket filled with sponges
• One box plastic garbage bags (33 gal. size)
• One wire brush
• One can powdered cleaner
• Two pairs of rubber gloves

Include only items listed and pack one kit per box. Seal the box with packing tape. Clearly mark the outside of the each box "CWS Gift of the Heart Clean-up Kit." Or you can opt to make a donation of $20, allowing CWS to provide one Clean-up Kit in a post-disaster situation.


School Kit

• One pair of blunt scissors
• Two pads 8-1/2" X 11" ruled paper
• One 30-centimeter ruler (12")
• One pencil sharpener
• Six new pencils with erasers
• One 2-1/2" eraser
• Twelve sheets colored construction paper
• One box of eight or sixteen crayons
• One 12" X 14" cloth bag with cloth handles

Bundle these items in the cloth bag, fold top over, and secure with two large rubber bands. Or, if you prefer, a donation of $11 per kit will allow Church World Service to buy school supplies for use in classroom settings.


Layettes

• Four cloth diapers
• Two shirts
• Two washcloths
• Two gowns or sleepers
• Two diaper pins
• One sweater or sweatshirt
• Two receiving blankets (one can be a knitted blanket)

Bundle these items inside one of the receiving blankets and secure with diaper pins. Or you may choose to give a donation of $35, which will allow Church World Service to provide a new Layette for and infant in a mother and child care program.


Sewing Kit

• Three yards of cotton or cotton blend, solid or print fabric
• One package of needles for hand sewing
• One spool of matching thread
• Six matching buttons secured together
• One pair sewing scissors

Bundle sewing notions inside the fabric and tie with string, yarn, or strip of cloth. Or pack the items in a zip lock pastic bag. You can also provide Sewing Kits by donating $18 per kit.

From time to time, CWS will issue an appeal for a food staples kits to meet emergency needs in famines or following disasters. Components: 32-oz. plastic bottle cooking oil; 12-oz. canned beef or corned beef; 4-lb. bag dry beans; 1-lb. box granulated sugar; 8-oz. instant coffee; 1-lb. box iodized salt; 8-oz. can pepper; 12-oz. canned tuna or chicken; 5-lb. bag white rice; 4-lb. box powdered milk; box of tea bags.