Nunam Iqua again needs help!

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[old salt]

I'm sure AKM will be doing a follow-up on this.  Ann Strongheart has posted an article at

http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/   ...concerning a request for help for the village of Nunam Iqua.  PLEASE READ HER ARTICLE.  She is not able to distribute food this year but you can email her at the address she has posted in her article, she will give you the name and address of a family in need.

[daMamma]

I will speak with my husband and children and see what we might be able to do. 

[GreatGranny2C]

Many of us on here have sent boxes to Alaska in recent months, and have learned some tips and tricks for getting the most we can into the flat rate boxes, and stretching our dollars to help those in need.

Anyone can go on-line to www.USPS.com and order the flat rate boxes FREE, and they'll be delivered to your home (usually within a week).  There are some small, and some flat boxes, which aren't big enough to hold enough to warrant the expense.  The two larger ones are $10.35 and $14.35 - no matter what the destination is.

Although Ann can provide specific lists, for people who aren't familiar with what it is like in some of the villages, there are many informative articles on the AB site.  Most of the households don't have running water and have to go to a central water point and pay for potable water.  Propane is outrageously expensive, so cooking is normally done on woodstoves or small electric burners.  Wood is a scarce commodity and the villagers gather wood washed up on the riverbanks.   Living in some of those remote areas has to be unbelievably difficult beyond our comprehension.

So when shopping, we have to take into account the level of difficulty required in any food preparations.  So many generous and compassionate Mudflatters helped last spring, and I'm sure we'll see a similar outpouring of help again.

[daMamma]

I have approximately 70 or so white med sized fitted cloth diapers with snaps, 16 colorful homemade med. sized cloth diapers (need pins), and some cut out but not sewn together yet.  They'd look great on boys or girls.  I'd be more than happy to send them to anyone that wants/needs them.  If not, I'll keep them, some day I might have grand babies.  Because they are cloth, they do need washing. 

Some look brand new, others well used but all are in fair condition. 

Disposable diapers are convenient, but cost money and can be hard to get in remote places.  Cloth are reusable over and over but require washing, and with water hard to get...  If anyone wants them, they are welcome to them. 

I also have a couple of small and a couple of med sized plastic diaper covers.  Will send them with the cloth diapers.  I also have about 20 or so "soakers" that go inside the diapers. 

Also in relation to diapers I have several cases of baby spray and baby gel that will prevent diaper rash, or help clear it up if it already exists.  Will happily send to anyone with infants/toddlers still in diapers.  I do know that the expiratory date has passed, but this particular product is good for 10+ years beyond that date.  However the law dictates an expire date and only allows so far into the future from manufacture regardless of the actual longevity of the product. 

It says Baby Bums but is also good for cuts, burns, sun burns and even good on pets.  It is all natural with a natural anti bacterial  and promotes healing.  It can be safely used on pets as well for most injuries including serious bites.  Non poisonous.  If pets or kids swallow even large amounts or get it in their eyes it will not cause any harm.  (MY company, MY product, I stand by it 100%)

30 Days to Christmas.  Do children celebrate this up there?  If yes, it is important to know what they would need/want.  For kids that do celebrate this holiday it is a major big deal to get something from Santa.  Way important to not miss at least a little something here. 

I can not support a family all winter, but can do something at least once or twice about food supplies.  The above I would send ASAP if wanted/needed as I do have that on hand and am no longer using them.  I am sorry they are not brand spanking new, but very happy to share with any mom that wants the diapers and baby stuff.

[daMamma]

Oh yeah, I'll mark everything either no value or gift under $20 so the recipient will not have to pay any import taxes.  As I am in Canada, that is an issue between here and the states.  Tariffs are a bee-yatch.

[GreatGranny2C]

daMamma - How thoughtful and generous you are!  Disposable diapers are certainly easier versus washing cloth diapers, but there are drawbacks there also.  A case of 144 disposables costs somewhere around $85 if purchased in nearest store to Nunam Iqua, compared to about $35 in the lower 48.  Disposing of trash and other refuse presents problems all of its own.   There is a laundromat in the village, which also has showers/bathing facilities - which also requires $$.
Ann did a great article on these issues and it can be found at this link:
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/life-without-running-water-in-nunam-iqua-alaska/

When I send boxes of necessities, I try to throw in a few luxuries as well.  Recently, my Avon lady donated several dozen of the mini hand lotions.  I also try to find room for a pack or two of the baby wipes which can be used by all ages.  I've also stuck in boxes of crayons and coloring books, and children's story books.  I would love to send some of those little Sterno thingies, but being flammable, that is a no-go.  Instead, I've sent along some candles, which might heat a cup of water and also offer a little alternative light.  There are so many everyday items that we take for granted, but to folks living remote on limited incomes, they can be absolute luxuries. 

For anyone who hasn't read Ann's article about shopping day, it is an absolute must-read.  The high costs of items is astounding.  It is expensive for items to be shipped in, and there are only so many items available at any particular time.
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/shoppin-day-in-nunam-iquq/

Fresh fruits and produce, and dairy products are rare and at a premium.  A treasured item for most is the dried fruit packages, which are usually quite nourishing as well as tastey and versatile.  A box of powdered/non-fat dry milk that makes a couple of dozen quarts is under $7 at our local Sam's Warehouse, and two containers will fit into the larger flat rate box.  So for about $25, the family gets about 50 quarts of milk.  At this time of year, the *summer sausages* are in all of the stores, most being under $5.  These don't need refrigeration and would undoubtedly be a welcome addition.  Condiments, seasonings, spices = any/all would be VERY welcome to them.

They do try to have a community Christmas party, which Ann has organized in past years, but as she is living in Ugashik this year, it appears no one has taken on organizing one yet .........which is quite understandable!  They are more focused on trying to find sufficient food for survival.   Ann and Victoria are in contact with Toys For Tots to see if they can get something for each child via that organization.  Ann is checking with the Pilot Point for a list of needs regarding clothing, school supplies, etc. and will get back with us on those.  There are only 36 households in the village and less than 200 people, but I don't know numbers, ages, or sex of the children yet, and you are so right!  It would be wonderful if each child could have a little something from Santa!

Any and all help would be appreciated - even if it is just once in awhile!  And I know for a fact, that they don't mind used items.  There is a great sense of sharing amongst people in small communities, whether it be Alaska, Canada, or anywhere else and *pass-me-alongs* find one new home after another until there is no life left in the item.  I know that it is hard for some folks to swallow their pride and accept *charity*, but most soon realize the love and caring that goes into sharing.

Very good of you to think of the tariff issue - I'd forgotten about that!  Bless you for your thoughtfulness and willingness to help!

[GreatGranny2C]

This is a list previously compiled during the earlier assist.  Each family may have specific needs that aren't on here, and some families would likely need need everything on this list.  It is simply a guide to the more common non-perishables.

Any/All Condiments & Spices
Self-Rising Flour   
Peanut Butter
Coffee   
Biscuit/Muffin/Pancake Mix   
Jellies & Jams
Sugar
Cornmeal   
Pancake Syrup
Powdered Creamer
Breadcrumbs   
Mayonnaise
Hot Cocoa Mix   
Instant Oatmeal   
Pastas
Powdered Nonfat Dry Milk   
Dry Cereal   
Rice
Kool-Aid or Juice Packets   
Soup Packets   
Instant Potatoes
Top Ramen   
Spaghetti Sauce
Polish Sausage   
Mac’N’Cheese   
Margarine/Butter Tubs
Velveeta Blocks
Processed Meats      
Canned Fruits, Veggies, Tuna, Beans
Dried Beans
Tomato paste/sauces      
Diapers      
Wet Ones      
Toilet Tissue      
Candles   

[Writing from Alaska]

30 Days to Christmas.  Do children celebrate this up there?  If yes, it is important to know what they would need/want.  For kids that do celebrate this holiday it is a major big deal to get something from Santa.  Way important to not miss at least a little something here.  

YES! Christmas - and just FYI, every year the National Guard loads up a plane with gifts and Santa and visits some of the villages. I got to go along one year and was on the trip to Gamble - but I couldn't see Russia because it was too foggy across the water. Darn it all.

Don't know anything about the possible usefulness of your other offerings, but I guess we know who to call if we need to cover our .....  

[Alaska Pi]

GreatGranny2C-

great job here !

For those of you considering diapers for Nunam-
Folks don't have running water in their homes and all laundry has to be taken to the washteria. Water for cooking and cleanup at home has to be hauled from a tank in town.

As wonderful as cloth diapers are , they are not a good idea for Nunam at this time.
Managing diaper buckets along with honey buckets increases the already difficult problems with illness in families regarding sanitation... and adds a lot more to be hauled to the washetria.

Keep your fingers crossed that the water/sewer project is completed soon and folks can have water in their homes !
thank you all.

[Cronopio]

Thanks so much to Granny et al who are providing such good suggestions!
Still unemployed, so I cannot do a lot, but I've already heard back from Ann about "sharing" a family.
Mudpuppies rule! 

[GreatGranny2C]

Anonymous Bloggers is working on a link dedicated to helping the Nunam Iqua families through this latest ordeal.
They hope to have a sidebar to click on up and running today, so keep checking back and one (or several!) of us
will post the link here.

Many are willing to help but can't take on the full responsibility of a family, and teaming up with others is a wonderful idea.

The responses have been overwhelming and we should can never give enough thanks to AKM and her crewfor this blog, the initial goal being to expose the Perils of Palin.  Yet it has evolved into such a caring community of people who have a wide variety of interests both political and non-political.  I'm so glad that I discovered the Mudflats and am very proud to be a small part of such a fine group.

[old salt]

Just wanted to bump this up to the front page.  It's important that all Mudpups are aware of the needs.  I sent an email to my son who lives in Oklahoma about this and he and his family have now adopted a family of six in Nunam Iqua.  He is also going to announce it in church tomorrow.  Way to go Ron!!

[Lani]

That's great!  Please tell Ron for me:
   WAY TO GO, RON! 

[GreatGranny2C]

Thanks Old Salt and many thanks for your son as well!

The page is set up now at AB, with lists and info on helping.
http://anonymousbloggers.wordpress.com/nunam-iqua-fall-flood-relief/

[GreatGranny2C]

Here is the recommended list posted over on Anonymous Bloggers. 

Ann’s requested basic needs
It is best to stick to the items recommended on this list. Instant rice and soup are requested because the  time needed to cook regular rice and other foods that require long cooking times use precious fuel. People have not been exposed to all the choices we have in our markets and won’t know how to cook unfamiliar foods. Dried beans are one of the foods that are not used in Yupik kitchens.
Diapers Sizes 1, 3, & 6
Similac Advanced Formula Powder
Canned Evaporated Milk
Dry Powdered Milk
Powdered Eggs
Crackers ( Sailor Boy Pilot Bread unsalted tops are the most used here)
Rice (minute rice)
Noodles
Peanut Butter
Honey
Jam
Juice
Flour
TOILET PAPER
Sugar
Coffee
Cereal
Crisco
Coffee Creamer
Pancake Mix
Tea
Canned Vegetables
Dried Fruit
Instant Soups
Ramen Noodles
Cup a noodles
Just basic pantry staples. Even salt, pepper, etc.

[old salt]

Ann Strongheart has an update at Anonymous bloggers concerning the needs in Nunam Iqua.  Hope all Mudpups are aware and those that can help, will.   Thanks!

[GreatGranny2C]

Ann has posted another update.  She still has TEN families that need some help having adequate food for this winter.  If anyone could send even one box per month, or join with others to send boxes of supplies, it would be very much appreciated.