Rotarians provide aid for disaster victims

COURTESY PHOTO The Sanibel-Captiva Rotary's Shelterbox Response Teams bring aid, such as these tents, to victims of disasters worldwide. This weekend's arts and crafts fair supports those efforts. In 2004, the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary sponsored Shelterbox Response Teams were deployed to the area of Southeast Asia to help the victims of a devastating tsunami.

One year later, Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans and Shelterbox once again sent its teams to the aid of those in need.

The group's mission is "to provide on a world-wide basis, humanitarian relief and aid in the form of material and equipment that provides shelter, warmth and comfort to people displaced by natural and other disasters."

Shelter boxes provide the means to dispense the much needed equipment for these victims. What are they? They are rugged, durable containers that measure 33x24x22 inches and are about 120 pounds when full.

The boxes are usually packed with one or two ten-person tents along with insulated sleeping mats and bags, water purification tablets, water containers, a practical tool kit and cooking utensils. Also included in the box is a small children's pack, which contains drawing books, crayons, pens and other school supplies. The contents are under continuous review and will vary according to site-specific conditions.

The motto echoed by group members is "the need exists, the need persists." Yes, the need is ongoing.

In the spirit of supporting this need, the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary will display a shelter box and its contents during the 25th Annual Arts & Crafts Fair, which will be held at the Sanibel Community House at 2173 Periwinkle Way, on Feb. 16-17. The cost of one box is $1,000 and the Sanibel-Captiva Rotary has already purchased three, with plans to purchase more in the near future with proceeds from various Rotary fundraisers. Donations toward the purchase of a shelter box can be made at the fair or at the website at www.shelterboxusa.org.

If you go

>>What: Sanibel-Captiva's Rotary Arts & Crafts Fair

>>When: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 16 and 17

>>Where: Sanibel Community House, 2173 Periwinkle Way

>>Cost: Free

>>Info: Call (239) 810-9333 or online at www.sanibelrotary.org/artshow