The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee reported today that its non-sectarian program for famine relief in Ethiopia is continuing.
The JDC said that since its efforts began on November 1, 82 tons of clothing, cloth, blankets, medicine and medical supplies have been distributed in the Wollow and Bale provinces and other areas affected by the famine.
To date, the JDC has received an estimated $2 million worth of cash and goods, with $961,275 in cash received since the JDC “opened its mailbox” to contributions.
The cash figure includes, according to the JDC, $85,000 from the Central British Fund — World Jewish Relief of London, which has also shipped medicine to Ethiopia. The JDC has received more than 12,000 individual contributions directed to its famine relief operations, as well as additional contributions from synagogues and communities representing other concerned persons.
The JDC has also received permission to operate feeding stations in the Gondar region, and is engaged in negotiations with the Agency for International Development to obtain U.S. surplus foods that would be provided to the feeding stations.
As with previous efforts (Cambodia, 1980; Italy, 1981; and Lebanon, 1982), JDC programs parallel that of Catholic, Protestant and non-sectarian agencies, providing assistance to disaster victims.
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