Although the government relief efforts have been well coordinated and swift, there are still many items in short supply at such shelters and facilities. As Japan takes steps towards relief and recovery, Hands On Tokyo has teamed up with a locally organized response team, Team SOS (name unofficial) to support those in the affected regions by sending necessary supplies that are in short supply at such shelters.
We have been requested to send face towels, bath towels, as well as toothbrushes and toothpaste to shelters in and around Souma City in Fukushima – an area very close to the epicenter of the earthquake. We are also sending rubber gloves, room slippers, and socks. To respond to requests from affected areas immediately, forwarding expenses become quite expensive.
- Toothbrushes & toothpaste: people living at the earthquake shelters are not able to brush their teeth regularly so cases of stomatitis are increasing, making it more likely for them to develop pneumonia. - Rubber Gloves: people need to protect their hands when cleaning the debris. Everything is muddy. - Socks & Room Slippers: since they remove their shoes in the gymnasium, they need something to keep their feet warm and to protect their feet. - Towels: can be used for multiple purposes
If this initial project is successful, we plan to address other needs in the community and broaden the variety of supplies that HOT gathers and sends to Souma City and its vicinity. Furthermore, we are currently securing a delivery route to other affected cities in the vicinity, giving us a chance to help many people in need in other cities in the Tohoku region as well.
