The Chesterton-based Loving House Project (LHP) is organizing a clothing and household supply drive for victims of this week’s earthquake in Haiti.

From Monday, Jan. 18, through Thursday, Jan. 21, during business hours at Graphic 22 at 1505-2 S. Calumet Road in Chesterton, LHP will be collecting any sized clothing and shoes, pain relievers, towels, and beddings, to be personally delivered to the ministry of Max Manning in Topeka, Ka.

Manning, who has worked for years in Haiti, is currently organizing a ship from Port Charles, La., to leave for Port-au-Prince in two weeks with relief supplies.

“We will sort the donations and pack everything on Thursday and Friday and leave on Saturday morning to deliver the donations,” LHP said.

Cash donations can be sent straight to Rev. Manning’s organization: Global Missions, Inc, a 501 (c) (3), and will receive a tax-deductible receipt. You can contact Rev. Manning at maxmanning@cox.net

 or at (785) 231-8183 or (785) 232-2992. Or write to Global Missions, Inc., P.O. Box 161, Topeka, Kansas 66601.

The primary goal of Loving House Project is to provide housing to the disadvantaged and the disabled elderly. Contact LHP at info@lovinghouseproject.org

Salvation Army

Meanwhile, The Salvation Army’s World Services Office, based in Alexandria, Va., has committed $50,000 to the earthquake relief effort in Haiti and is prepared to commit more resources as well as food, water, and other emergency supplies.

The Salvation Army is accepting monetary donations to assist in the effort at www.salvationarmyusa.org

 as well as at (800) SAL-ARMY and at The Salvation Army World Service Office, International Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 630728, Baltimore, MD 21263-0728.

“Our prayers are with the people of Haiti during the aftermath of this devastating earthquake as well as with our Salvation Army officers and employees throughout the country,” said Maj. Ralph Bukiewicz, divisional commander for Western Michigan and Northern Indiana. “Rest assured, you will find The Salvation Army is once again on the front lines helping those in need without hesitation, without discrimination, and without fail.”

None of the Salvation Army staff in Port-au-Prince was injured in the quake but the children’s home, clinic, and church in its compound there sustained major damage, the Salvation Army said.

“The organization is preparing to send more than 44,000 pounds of pre-packaged emergency rations to the country, along with emergency disaster teams. The Salvation Army is working with other agencies to identify appropriate transportation for the food. As with all such relief efforts, The Salvation Army will be part of the initial emergency response while assessing longer term needs of the residents.”

Posted 1/15/2010