What does an Adventist youth group from Miami, a Presbyterian church in Colorado, and a mother in Australia have in common? They are just a few of the people who responded to a recent global campaign to send baby blankets for the Tegucigalpa Maternity Hospital in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Kelly Razzouk, a Hinsdale (Illinois) Church member, spent a year working at the United Nations and learned of a plea for help from a representative of the Mission of Honduras. The representative informed Kelly about the deplorable conditions at the Tegucigalpa Maternity Hospital. Hearing that “nurses were forced to wrap babies in newspaper,” Kelly felt compelled to act. “It broke my heart to know that in 2005 these tiny babies would not be welcomed to the world with a warm blanket,” she said.
Kelly wanted her university to be involved in helping with the project too, so she contacted Southern Adventist University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) program where Rebecca Huey, student director, and Don Van Ornam, department chairman, were excited about getting involved. “SIFE is a community service-based organization that looks to help those in need,” Rebecca said.
Since Kelly's appearance on 3ABN where, during an interview with host Danny Shelton, she asked viewers to send blankets, SIFE has received e-mails and phone calls from people around the world ready to contribute. “I was surprised by how quickly people responded,” said Rebecca, whose office is already filled with hundreds of blankets. Rebecca was also impressed with the personal dedication of those who gave. “People have invested the time to crochet blankets themselves, and some young people have organized car washes and bake sales to raise money for blankets,” she said.
The first collection of blankets was shipped April 8, and subsequent shipments will follow. Southern will continue to collect blankets and donations to cover shipping costs throughout the year. “God said that whoever does it unto the least of these does it unto Me,” reminded Rebecca. “Sending my blanket is a way to share God’s love,” she added.
Kelly and her friends are examples of what young people can do to make a difference in the world. She invites you to join her blanket campaign. Send blankets or money for shipping costs to: Southern Adventist University, Students in Free Enterprise, Blankets for Honduras, 5071C Industrial Drive, Collegedale, TN 37315.
Kelly Razzouk is a member of the Hinsdale (Illinois) Church; she graduated from Southern Adventist University on May 1, 2005. Diane Thurber is the Lake Union Herald managing editor.
