Caregiver Kits Bring Hope, Help

Forty million people worldwide are living with AIDS. Every 14 seconds a child will lose a parent to the disease. On Jan. 19, World Vision will sponsor a Caregiver Kit event at the Meadowbrook Mall in Bridgeport, giving people an opportunity to make a difference in the fight against AIDS.

The event begins at 10 a.m. and will be located in the corridor outside the JCPenney Store in the mall.

Participants will be able to purchase and assemble a Caregiver Kit for $25. This kit will be sent to a family caregiver or volunteer in an AIDS infected community in Africa, Asia or Latin America.

The kits contain basic essential supplies like washcloths, latex gloves and cotton balls that allow caregivers to minister to the sick while helping prevent the spread of infection.

Cindy Kelley, World Vision volunteer coordinator, is organizing the event.

“Our goal is to create awareness and a deeper understanding of the AIDS crisis. We also want to offer the chance to be part of assisting those who severely need our help,” Kelley said.

“This is one way we can make a difference to help prevent the spread of AIDS and lessen the effects of poverty, disease and devastation felt by children, families and communities in our world,” she said.

According to Kelley, the World Vision Caregiver Kit sponsorship program is available year-round to individuals and/or groups. It is one of many relief programs designed to bring hope and healing to children and families in impoverished communities.

Organizations who would like to be part of the Jan. 19 event, would like to purchase Caregiver Kits or are interested in hosting its own Caregiver Kit event, should call Kelley at 457-3798 for more information or visit the World Vision Web site at www.worldvision.org.

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.