DALLAS – Buckner International is collecting humanitarian aid relief kits to send to Joplin, Mo., where the deadliest single U.S. tornado in decades killed 117 people and left hundreds homeless.

Matt Asato, Buckner director of humanitarian aid, said his team is “rallying our resources to send a variety of emergency aid items to victims. We’re working with alliance partners to distribute the kits.”

Asato said the kits will focus on hygiene, and urged individuals, organizations and churches to begin putting together the kits now “because the need is so urgent. People have literally lost everything they have, including the things like hygiene products they need for their health.”

He said each kit should include the following new items, packaged in a two-gallon zip-loc bag: Hand towel, wash cloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, bar of soap, comb/brush, shampoo, bandages (travel size or larger), tissues – two travel-pack sizes, shaving razor, shaving cream, antiseptic wipes (i.e. “Wet Ones”), tampons or pads (18 or more). Click here for a downloadable needs flyer.

Asato said collected items may be shipped to or dropped off at the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid at 5405 Shoe Drive, Mesquite, TX 75149. Delivery hours are Monday-Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For questions regarding humanitarian aid collection, contact the Buckner Center for Humanitarian Aid at 214-328-7463.

Asato said financial donations to offset Buckner’s response costs also are being accepted. “Buckner is accepting cash donations for expenses we incur as a result of our disaster response and to supplement the kit shipment.” Click here to donate to Buckner International’s disaster response fund. In the designation line, click “other,” then write, “Disaster Response.”