SOS February News: Helping moms, babies and a rescue pup-- plus a new wish list

A SAFER START FOR MOTHERS & BABIES IN SIERRA LEONE

A container of hope came to Bo Sierra Leone last month. A 90-lb SOS delivery of Ob/Gyn supplies, bp cuffs, surgical towels, gloves, sutures and more enabled a Helping Children Worldwide mission team to train 94 midwives, nurses and community health officers in maternal and child health practices at a conference at Njala University. "They are first responders during childbirth, making their proficiency in emergency procedures crucial for stabilizing mothers and newborns facing unexpected complications," says Yasmine Vaughn, Technical Advisor for HCW. "Skilled intervention can mean the difference between life and death." HCG focused on two skills: stopping bleeding after deliveries and resuscitating infants. Participants also learned to train others-- empowering them to continually elevate healthcare in their communities and bring the promise of modern medical practices to mothers and babies throughout Sierra Leone.

HELPING A SWEET PUPPY BEAT PARVO

Little Midge's story is a wonderful example of a small but beautiful piece of the SOS mission: helping sick, neglected or injured animals. Midge was brought to a local shelter shortly after birth and soon developed the deadly Parvovirus. Without the medical resources to safely care for her and prevent spread, the shelter transferred her to the Sam Swope Pet Treatment and Lifesaving Center at the KY Humane Society. There, PPE and other supplies from SOS allowed their vets to successfully treat this sweet little girl. After fifteen days of TLC with donated supplies, Midge is healthy, happy and ready for her forever family.

Help animals in need!

THE SOS WISH LIST

Calling all shoppers! The items below are low in inventory and we can always use help restocking; every bandaid or bottle of shampoo helps.

Drop them at 1500 Arlington Ave, Monday through Friday, 8 to 4, or use our NEW Amazon Wish List to have them delivered to our door.

BANDAIDS

BODY WASH

BRUSHES

COMBS

DEODORANT

FEMININE PROTECTION

SHAMPOO

TOOTHBRUSHES

TOOTHPASTE

Help our Local Program!

SUPPORTING BABIES & MOMS IN WEST LOUISVILLE

Our Local Health Program has a new partnership with Volunteers of America that supports moms in recovery and their babies. Local Manager Brian Jointer delivered drug screen cups, exam table paper and cleaning supplies that will be used in their Freedom House facility for their Women's Pregnant and Parenting Addictions Treatment Program which helps moms break the cycle of addiction and learn parenting skills. Says VOA Communications Director Marty Purdy, "I am so grateful we had the opportunity to connect with your organization." He and Jointer are already discussing more ways SOS can help.

Cheers for our Volunteers!

In the last few weeks, our dedicated weekly regulars and several new groups sorted supplies going to both international shipments and local education program. Their work is changing and saving lives here and across the globe.

Christian Academy of Louisville's Fifth Grade Basketball team

Christian Academy of Louisville's HOSA students

Ahrens students

The Medasource team

If you're looking for a group outing that builds comaraderie and contributes to the greater good, SOS is a welcoming, collaborative environment where over 2,000 volunteers a year spread health and hope by carefully sorting medical supplies that will go to humans and animals in need.

Volunteer shifts can be scheduled Monday through Thursday, 9-12:00 or 1-4:00m or on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9-12:00. Evenings are occasionally available. Please join us!

Volunteer

YOU'RE INVITED TO THE HEALTH & HOPE BREAKFAST

WHEN: Monday, March 20, 7:00 AM to 9:00

WHERE: The Olmsted

Please plan to join other loyal donors and supporters for what promises to be an inspiring celebration of our work in 2023! We will have highlights from CEO & President Denise Sears, surprise guests, our Health & Hope Hero Award presentation and a keynote address by a soon-to-be-announced international partner. Enjoy a delicious complimentary breakfast and know that all contributions will go directly to serving those in need!

We are thrilled to announce that WLKY reporter Alexis Mathews will emcee the event.

"I am deeply honored to serve as emcee for the annual Health & Hope Breakfast. I’ve had the privilege of covering the impactful work that SOS International does in Louisville and beyond. Additionally, I can’t speak highly enough of the selfless SOS team and fearless leader, Ms. Denise Sears. If I can touch the community half the way she does, I am fulfilled. I’m grateful she extended the invitation to host this event."

RSVP HERE!

Sierra Leone mission photo credits: Tenki for Born