Convoy of Hope aids victims of local tornadoes, Myanmar cyclone

Springfield-based Convoy is delivering food, water and cleaning supplies to Newton County and Picher, Okla., as well as to Pine Bluff, Ark., which remains under a boil order. More deliveries will be made as requests for assistance come in, according to a Convoy news release.

Convoy personnel also are in Bangkok, where a staging area has been set up to distribute food, water decontamination tablets, tents and medical supplies to treat dysentery and diarrhea. Protein-fortified rice blends, boats, masks and Meals Ready to Eat are ready to be sent as well. Meanwhile, FedEx has partnered with Convoy to deliver 10,000 individual water purifiers and other humanitarian aid.

Reports from Myanmar indicate that about 300 refugee camps have been set up and are accommodating 250,000 people, according to the release. Another 1.5 million people could die from waterborne diseases if they don’t receive aid, the release said. Gasoline there is selling for $12 per gallon, the release said.

Convoy estimates it could be involved with the Myanmar efforts for six months, according to its Web site.

Convoy President Hal Donaldson is encouraging donations to support the organization’s disaster response. The charity estimates every donated dollar can turn into $5–$8 in relief product, the release said. Click here to donate or read Convoy’s reports from Thailand.[[In-content Ad]]