Misawa Chapel Provides "Starter Kits" for Displaced Japanese Families

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kim McLendon, Naval Air Facility Misawa Public Affairs

MIYAKO, Japan (NNS) -- Families from Misawa Air Base (MAB) delivered 64 household "starter kits" for Japanese families in Miyako who are moving out of evacuation shelters and into temporary housing, April 14.

As U.S. military operations for Operation Tomodachi wind down, Misawa service and family members are still seeking ways to help out their host country's citizens. These kits are one way that base personnel are making a difference.

"This program is in the spirit of Operation Tomodachi," said Chaplain De'Etta Goecker, regional director of the Misawa Air Base chapter of the Protestant Women of the Chapel, which organized, built and delivered the kits to Miyako families.

The kits were created for Japanese families impacted by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake, March 11, which triggered a massive tsunami that devastated this coastal city located on Japan's eastern seaboard.

Almost 7,000 families have lost their homes here because of the tsunami and have since been living in evacuation shelters.

As the families begin to leave the shelters and move into temporary homes, the kits will help enable residents to cook, clean and get back to a normal life.

Each starter kit includes cookware, plates, slippers, towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies. In turn, Miyako city officials will provide rice cookers and hot pots for each household.

"Each kit will hold most the items needed to run a household with several family members," said Goecker.

Over the following months, families whose homes were completely or partially destroyed by the tsunami will receive a starter kit. Families of up to three people will receive one kit, while larger families will receive two.

In many cases, these kits will be the starting point for families as they try to resume normal lives. Many families are entering temporary housing with only the clothing and items they were able to quickly gather before fleeing their residences.

Goecker said the goal is to collect enough items and donations to put together 50 kits for delivery each week. With donations pouring in from as far away as Germany and people still wanting to contribute, she hope to continue this program for the next few months.

"We are working closely with people from the community so we can help ensure their specific needs are met," said 35th FW Chaplain, Lt. Col. Jerry Sather.