Gifts In Kind International, UPS Team Up to Send Relief Flight to China

, May 30, 2008

Shipment Including Tents, Cots and Surgical Gloves Headed for Chengdu Today; Gifts In Kind Organizes Tent Drive to Address Critical Need

"We are grateful to UPS for shipping these urgently needed products to earthquake victims and to the Embassy of the People's Republic of China for helping to coordinate the distribution within the affected area," said Gifts In Kind International President and CEO Richard Wong. "Our corporate partners that provided these items and our nonprofit partners, including Feed the Children, have made this effort possible. But this is just the first step in getting victims back on their feet. Gifts In Kind will continue to work with the Chinese Embassy and our many partners to provide the long-term assistance needed to restore lives."

Gifts In Kind International has partnered with the Chinese Embassy to coordinate the in-kind relief efforts for the United States. Almost 69,000 people were killed in the quake and its aftershocks, and many others are still missing. Many survivors have been left homeless.

"Working closely with Gifts In Kind International and the Chinese Embassy, we are eager to bring these critical supplies to the people of Chengdu," said Lisa Hamilton, president, The UPS Foundation. "This delivery is among the most important UPS will make this year."

Individual, Corporate Donations Needed for Tent Drive

The Chinese government has estimated that millions of tents are currently needed to help those who have been left homeless by the earthquake. China will provide two million tents to earthquake victims, but an additional one million tents is desperately needed. Gifts In Kind International has organized a tent drive for both corporate and individual donors. A website allows individuals to 1) buy a new tent and ship it to a designated Gifts In Kind warehouse or 2) donate money to help supply these tents.

Medicine, medical equipment, outdoor equipment, blankets, sleeping bags, footwear and apparel also now top the critical needs identified by the Chinese government.