Help The People Of Tonga

Our heart is heavy with the recent volcano and tsunami tragedy that has hit Tonga so badly. On top of that, they are now dealing with the complications of having COVID there for the first time. It's such a small country with little resources and a whole lot of poverty. It's going to take quite a lot for this sweet little island country to recover from this.

We are so grateful that our family there is okay, but there are so many other less fortunate people. We want to do what I can to offer some support. Will you join us in making a difference? Every little bit helps of course. We will use the funds generated to send needed supplies to our family there so they can  distribute to the people and places that need the most help. 

We have lots of experience with the process of shopping for and packing things to ship to Tonga. It's quite a process actually. John (Dad) will build a wooden 4x8 crate, then Joyce (Mom) will use her finely tuned packing skills to utilize every little inch of space since the cost of shipping is by volume, not weight.

Financial contributions can be cash, check to Sara-ann Swanson, Venmo @sara-ann-swanson or PayPal @beautytemplewa
You can also feel free to donate through GoFundMe but they do take a percentage of the funds generated.

If you have items around your home to donate, awesome! Please don't go out and buy stuff to donate though - we would much rather have the cash to be specific in our purchases. Items can be dropped off anytime at Sara + Kyle's house which is the red brick and gray house across the street from her work house. 3916 Hoadly SE Tumwater, WA 98501   Please leave items under the picture window. To arrange pick up call Joyce (Mom) (978-855-0352

Helpful items include:

Linens such as sheets and pillowcases, towels, clothing, etc

Basic tools such as hammers, screwdrivers, levels, pry bars, tape measures, etc

Housewares like silverware, utensils, pots and pans, dishes, bakeware, etc (nothing that needs electricity)

Personal hygiene items like deodorant, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brushes, feminine hygiene, baby wipes, diapers, etc

Miscellaneous items: unopened aluminum foil, scissors, milk crates, suitcases, lightweight shelves/drawers/storage that breaks down for shipping (think IKEA)

And of course non-perishable food

The deadline for this project is Wednesday March 16th in order to have the crate all packed and ready to deliver to the shipping company in Tacoma on time. Please contact us with any questions Sara-[email redacted] / [phone redacted]

 

Malo aupito!

(Thank you very much)

Sara-ann and Family 

4003 Hoadly St SE
Tumwater, WA 98501

('Iva, 8 and Melino, 6 helping to clear all the messy crusty ash off their roofs so they can reconnect the rain water collection system)