The Project:
On Saturday, February 8, 2014, up to 250 volunteers from throughout our community will come to CUMC to prepare 25,000+ packets of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS).

Who?
Anyone 16 years or older - invite friends and neighbors too!*

Volunteers:
- Do not need experience and all supplies are provided
- Do the packet-filling in assembly line fashion, while seated at tables
- Sign up in two hour segments of time. Volunteers may stay longer than their original sign-up time if they wish
- Will have light refreshments provided throughout the day

* People ages 13-15 are welcome to help in the testing/packing area! 

Why?
According to the World Health Organization, 1.5 million children a year will die from dehydration.  It is one of the top two causes of death in children under 5 years old; 80% of the victims are under 2 years old.  These are children in refugee camps, in areas of extreme poverty, in situations of civil unrest, or in the midst of natural disasters.

Where?
Central United Methodist Church
4201 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA
(Across the street from the Ballston metro)

When?
Saturday, February 8, 2014
9 am – 3:15 pm

Shifts:  9 am-11am;  11am – 1pm;  1:15 pm–3:15 pm 

How Do I Sign Up?
Contact  Joyce Wright via email at  Office@CUMCBallston.org or phone at 703-243-3951.

Register by January 27 for the shift(s) you are interested in working!  

What helps?
The website of the World Health Organization states:  “ORS use is the simplest, most effective and cheapest way to keep children alive during severe episodes of diarrhea.”

 

What is the ORS mix?
Oral Rehydration Salts are a mix of sugar, non-iodized salt, potassium chloride (salt substitute), and baking soda.  The ingredients are measured into self-sealable packets, boxed, and sent to a central warehouse in Michigan.  As relief agencies need these packets they are shipped out to them for distribution.

What is Required?

Volunteer your time.  On Saturday, February 8, at 9 am volunteers will gather and sit at long tables for the first shift.  They will work in assembly-line fashion—with each person measuring one of the 4 ingredients into a cup.  Another person will pour the cup of ingredients into a self-seal bag, and the next person will seal the bag.  After that, the bags will be counted, packaged in sturdy boxes…and be ready for shipment.

Volunteers will sign up for 2-hour shifts (9 am-11am, 11 am-1 pm, and 1:15 pm-3:15 pm).  They are welcome to stay longer if they wish.  The work is done while seated, refreshments are provided, and free parking will be available.  We ask that volunteers filling packets be 16 years old.  There will be a number of other tasks that must be done during the day as well so people who are willing may be asked to do those.  Volunteers are asked to sign up by January 27. (We can use the help of 13-15 year olds in the testing/packing/counting area.)

We hope you will embrace the privilege of working on this project with great joy. The effort may save the life of a child--and change yours.

CONTACT:  The contact for this project is Joyce Wright at Office@CUMCBallston.org.