Humanitarian Kits (should be donated locally)

 

This information is OLD,

Please refer to the church web site for what you can do to help at this link: http://www.lds.org/topics/humanitarian-service/help?lang=eng

Or here is some basic information

From LDS.ORG http://mormon.org/humanitarian-aid

Assembling various humanitarian kits (hygiene, newborn and school kits) for us to distribute to schools, orphanages, homeless shelters, medical facilities, and disaster areas around the world is something you can do alone or as a group. Before getting started you may call the Humanitarian Center at (801) 240-6060 or e-mail at HumanitarianCenter@ldschurch.org to ensure that your efforts meet the changing needs of people throughout the world. Your labor is greatly appreciated.

In addition to donating humanitarian kits to the LDS Humanitarian Center, we encourage you to contact your local schools, orphanages, homeless shelters, etc. and find out what kits they may need in their facilities.

Here is a Printable PDF file with info

http://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/content/english/pdf/service/humanitarian/help/donation-guidelines.pdf?lang=eng

 

Hygiene kits

Hygiene Kit

The following is an example of how to assemble a hygiene kit:

Place the following items in a heavy-duty, one-gallon sealable bag.
Remove the air before sealing.

  • 2 unbreakable combs without sharp handles
  • 4 toothbrushes (sealed)
  • 1 tube of toothpaste (6-8 ounces, no pumps)
  • 2 bars of soap (3.5-5 ounces each)
  • 2 hand towels* (approximately 15×25 inches) Dishtowels and washcloths are not acceptable.

*If sewing towels, use terry cloth and serge or zigzag edges to prevent fraying.

Newborn kits

Newborn kits are often sent to orphanages and hospitals, particularly in developing countries.

Newborn Kit

The following is an example of how to assemble a newborn kit:

Place the following items in a heavy-duty, one-gallon sealable bag.
Remove the air before sealing.

  • 4 single thickness cloth diapers
    • – Approximately 25×27 inches
    • – Birdseye Cloth or diaper flannel, 100% cotton
    • – No pre-fold or disposable diapers
  • 4 diaper safety pins
  • 1 pair booties or baby socks
  • 2 bars of soap 3.5-5 ounces each (Ivory or other not allergenic brand)
  • 1 receiving blanket* (36×36 – 45×45 inches) (See how to make receiving blankets below)
  • 1 layette gown
    • – No footed sleepers, buttons, zippers, or strings
    • – Size: Newborn to 6 months, Fabric: cotton knit
    • – Layette gown patterns are available at the LDS Humanitarian Center, Humanitarian Service Rooms and at www.humanitarianservices.org

*How to make receiving blankets

Make Receiving Blankets

Fleece:
  • Cut a 36×36 – 45×45 inch square of medium weight fleece
  • Serge, hem or blanket-stich edges

There are two methods for flannel receiving blankets

Flannel Method 1:
  • Cut two 36×36 – 45×45 inch squares of cotton flannel
  • Serge edges with right sides facing out
  • Sew large ‘X’ corner to corner or a 10-inch square in the center to keep fabric from shifting
Flannel Method 2:
  • Cut two 36×36 – 45×45 inch squares of cotton flannel
  • Place the squares together with right sides facing in
  • Sew squares together with a ¼ inch seam around the edges, leaving a 6-inch opening
  • Turn right sides out
  • Baste opening and topstitch around entire blanket for durability
  • Sew large ‘X’ corner to corner or a 10-inch square in the center to keep fabric from shifting

School kits

School kits are often sent to schools, and orphanages. On occasion school kits will be sent to disaster areas.

School Kit

The following is an example of how to assemble a school kit:

Place the following items in a durable cloth bag*.

  • 4 unsharpened pencils
  • 1 rubber pencil eraser – approximately 1×2 inches
  • 1 pair blunt nosed scissors with metal blades
  • 1 pencil sharpener
  • 1 straight edge ruler – 12 inch, with metric

  • Glued or spiral bound notebooks with lined sheets, 8 x 10½, or 8½ x 11 inches

    • Notebooks should total approximately 450 sheets
    • Do not include more than 6 notebooks

  • 1 set assorted colored pencils

    • at least 12 per set, approximately 7 inches long
School Bag

*How to make cloth bags for school kits

Bag:
  • Cut one piece heavy, durable fabric 14×36 inches or two pieces 14×18 inches
  • With right sides together, sew side seams and across the bottom, ½ inch seam
  • Serge or zig-zag all seams
  • Serge or zig-zag around the top opening of the bag
  • Turn top hem down 1½ inch and sew
Handles:
  • Cut two handles 24 x 3½ inches (1 inch webbing may be substituted)
  • Fold long sides in ½ inch then fold in half, lengthwise and sew down both long sides
  • Attach and reinforce handles 2 inches from side seam along hem. Repeat on opposite side. Handles should be able to hang comfortably over a shoulder like a purse, length about 21 inches long
  • Sew a 3 inch strip of Velcro on inside of bag between handle straps