DALLAS – Buckner International will ship two containers of humanitarian to benefit children and families affected by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that has claimed the lives of more than 100,000 people in Haiti and left more than 600,000 people homeless, according to the United Nations.

One shipment of medical supplies and cots will be sent by air, through the Dominican Republic and into Haiti, to benefit the children and families receiving aid at Hope Hospital in Port Au Prince, said Matt Asato, director of humanitarian aid.

“The other container will be filled with about 24,500 pairs of new shoes next Thursday, Feb. 4. We’ll be sending that container to Florida where we’ve partnered with Holy Cross Lutheran Church. They will be distributing the shoes in Haiti to orphans and families through their connections with Food for the Poor,” he said.

Asato said they will schedule subsequent shipments of basic humanitarian aid supplies over the next three to four weeks, depending on what supplies are provided by donors.

Several churches in Texas, including Crestview Baptist Church in Midland and First Baptist Church in Irving, are collecting hygiene items for Haiti to be distributed by Buckner.

“Hygiene kits and supplies are still our biggest need,” he added.

Complete hygiene kits include the following:

• Hand towel


• Wash cloth


• Toothpaste (4.6 oz or larger)


• Toothbrush (in original package)


• Bar of soap (in original package)


• Comb


• Wet wipes


• Shampoo


• Bandages (travel size or larger)


• Tissues – 2 travel pack sizes


• Feminine hygiene products (18 or more per pack)