is Santa Barbara's own global humanitarian aid organization. Founded in 1948, Direct Relief annually sends over $25 million worth of medical goods such as antibiotics, surgical equipment and trauma care supplies. The shipments go to chronically underserved areas and to victims of civil unrest and natural disasters nationally and worldwide. 1999 was the biggest year in Direct Relief's history: $53.8 million in medical aid was sent to 53 countries, including the United States. Some of Direct Relief's biggest shipments last year went to help victims of the floods in India and Venezuela, the earthquakes in Turkey and the Kosovo refugee crisis.

Direct Relief's ongoing local programs in Santa Barbara include PREP, which involves building sturdy, trailer-sized containers of emergency supplies for use in the event of a disaster. Our immediate goal is to have a PREP container on the grounds of every school in Santa Barbara County. Donations or requests for further information can be sent to Direct Relief at 27 South La Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117, or phone 1-800-676-1638. The agency's web site is www.directrelief.org. All gifts are tax deductible. Interns, Meredith Tickner (R) and Stacey Keleher (M) love the experience, the credits and the letters of recommandations they can obtain from DRI. Far left is Carol Ashley, head of the team. You can contact Carol at (805) 964 4746

Direct Relief International intervient dans le monde entier, fournissant des médicaments et des rations alimentaires aux populations défavorisées. From flooding in the U.S. to earthquakes in Japan, Direct Relief has provided assistance at disaster sites worldwide by delivering urgently needed medical supplies, pharmaceutical and personal care items. October 14, 2001: Direct Relief organizes a rummage sale, which proceeds are going to benefit the victims of September 11th. Friendly faces, real treasures and relaxing massages were all on hand to help the families of the September victims.

Aidez-nous, contactez - You too can help, please contact: Direct Relief International 27 S. La Patera Lane - S.B., CA 93117 Phone: (805) 964 4767 - Fax: 681 4838 www.directrelief.org - Care packages for Santa Barbara Personal Care Pack Program are prepared with the help of volunteers. Here, actor Don Murray is helping Kelly Darnell, the program's director. Some 2,000 plastic bags were donated by Diamond Polyethylene Products of L.A. Ces colis sont destinés aux associations d'aide humanitaire de Santa Barbara Recipients are children like Paulina,3 (R) or twins Vanessa and and Martin , also 3, (L) and their families. Gina, program director of the Youth Projects gives out packages and smiles. .Les bénéficiaires sont des enfants des quartiers défavorisés de Santa Barbara.

Get involved  Participate in Direct Relief's Harvest Moon Wine Auction On Saturday, October 14, 2000 - Black tie Dinner and Live Auction beginning at 6 pm. Net proceeds will be donated to Direct Relief International, a not profit organization that povides medical assistance to people in need worldwide. Tickets are $250 each and patron tables will be available. To be on the mailing list for more information or to order tickets, contact: Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association, PO Box 1558, Santa Inez, CA 93460, call (800) 218-0881, fax (805) 686-5881 or e-mail: tickets@sbcountywines.com. The event contact is Beth Reiswig, Director of Special Events

ATTEND A DIRECT RELIEF BRIEFING AND LUNCHEON THIS MONTH - Find out more about Direct Relief's international and local programs - Enjoy a complimentary hot luncheon - Tour the warehouse where worldwide aid shipments are being readied - Chat with Board members, staff and volunteers - Learn about volunteer opportunities This month's luncheon briefing will be held at Direct Relief on Thursday, June 8 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Please RSVP to reserve luncheon space: (805) 964-4767. Direct Relief is located at 27 South La Patera Lane, next to the Goleta Amtrak station.

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Page updated: May 2000 - e-mail:sblive.com -