The Lake Orion Police Department and Blanche Sims Elementary School have joined forces to gather as many blankets as possible (over the next two weeks) to help aid efforts in Japan after that country’s recent tsunami disaster.
According to Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh, the USS George Washington, aircraft carrier attached to the US 7th Fleet was in Yokosuka, Japan, as a part of the Untied States? humanitarian aid.
‘As a result of the firsthand interaction the men and women stationed on the USS George Washington realized the tremendous, overwhelming need for blankets to assist the hundreds of thousands of refugees and the thousands of who are forced to flee their homes affected by the potential of deadly radioactive material being released from the nuclear power plant disaster,? Narsh said.
One sailor stationed aboard the George Washington is OSSN Christian Evans, 19-years-old of Lake Orion. He contacted the local police, asking help in reaching out to the many stricken Japanese.
Narsh said Christian’s mom, Sherri Evans, called last week to see what could be done to help as many as possible. Narsh then contacted Jennifer Goethals, Principal of Blanche Sims Elementary School.
‘Ms. Goethals is excited to work together to gather as many new — not used — blankets for those suffering in winter conditions,? Narsh said.
Blankets will be distributed to the Miyagi area of Sendai City, Japan. An area hit hard.
Blankets must be new, and may be adult, child or infant size. Blankets can be dropped off at the Lake Orion Police Department at 37 E. Flint St. The 911 Center is always open. Students and their family members are encouraged to bring blankets to the Blanch Sims, 465 E. Jackson Street.