2012 Summary
In 2012, Operation Compassion distributed 30 million pounds of product in 38 states and 26 countries. Operation Compassion has targeted children, senior adults, single parent families and widows needing more assistance because of their greater risk and vulnerability. OC continued to deliver water, fed the hungry, construct medical clinics, schools and churches, provided shelter and given shoes.
2012 Disaster Response
Southeast Tornadoes
There were two separate outbreaks of tornadoes across the United States within 48 hours. Getting hit the hardest was Joplin, MO and Tuscaloosa, AL. Operation Compassion sent multiple semi-trucks loaded with necessary disaster relief products and supplies. Operation Compassion set up eight disaster relief sites in five states, bringing relief to the storm victims.
West Virginia Flooding
During the early spring, torrential rains and snow melt off left valley rivers swollen with some of the worst flooding in recent history. Operation Compassion through the Appalachian Dream Center was one of the first to respond to this disaster. ADC was able to house some victims as well as National Guard troops helping with clean-up.
Hurricane Isaac
Hurricane Isaac struck the Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama Gulf Coast leaving destruction and homelessness. Operation Compassion was responding before the storm moved out helping hundreds with the clean-up and distributing goods and supplies. Operation Compassion also sent financial assistance to help 500 families relocate from New Orleans, LA to Houston and Dallas, TX.
Hurricane Sandy
Operation Compassion responded to this hurricane with all of its resources; fighting to help survivors on the coast dealing with flooding and wind destruction, while helping those further inland stuck in two to three feet of snow. Operation Compassion utilized its disaster relief network in establishing 19 relief sites across six states and delivering over 1 million pounds of goods and supplies.
2012 Product Distribution
Clothing
Clothing is a key component for many children because they cannot attend school without school uniforms. Through its partners, Operation Compassion is able to procure pants, shirts, skirts, underwear and socks. Shoes are another great commodity for children, many of whom have never owed a pair of shoes. Operation Compassion received 2,279,152 pairs of shoes from China that were shipped to Asia, Africa, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Mongolia. An additional 241,222 pairs were received from Europe and distributed in Africa; 208,293 pairs came from the United States. Dr. Shoal’s has committed 1,381,122 pairs of slippers for 2013.
Tile
Operation Compassion received and shipped more than 300 semi-truck loads of tile and tile products and another 130 semi-trucks of wonderboard under lament. These products were used to build clinics, schools, churches, senior adult centers, orphanages and other humanitarian projects around the world.
Educational and Learning Materials
Operation Compassion was especially proud to receive millions of DVD’s and books to enhance the learning of school children in various parts of the world. In many countries, they have the main textbooks but do not have the peripheral learning tools that enhance their education. That is how these products were used.
Blankets
For years, Operation Compassion has been receiving blankets from many of its partners. However, this year Operation Compassion made a contact directly with the government contractor and will be receiving blankets directly as well as continuing to receive from partners. The first shipment contained more than 10,000 blankets.
FEMA Excess Products
During times of disaster Operation Compassion is often one of the first on site. During these disasters Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) products have been distributed by other charities and entities involved in the relief process and OC would receive a couple of semi-trucks. Recently, OC made contact with the FEMA Excess Products and will now be receiving FEMA products direct. This is an important area of disaster relief because it means OC is no longer solely dependent on others to help with food, water and other staple supplies, OC will have their own to distribute.
Summary
Operation Compassion is entering an exciting time in its history. New avenues have opened up for Operation Compassion to be in a position of greater help and assistance than ever before. Through dedicated core employees, the future looks bright and hopes optimistic as Operation Compassion embarks on new challenges and ways to reach more people in need with their available assets.