Missoula Military Veterans Teaming Up to Help Philippines With Typhoon Haiyan Recovery

This week, November 17, U.S. military veterans with the United States of Hope in Missoula are attempting to gather supplies to help those suffering from a recent natural disaster in the Philippines.

"We have a campaign initiated by a few locals, including Filipinos in Missoula, geared toward helping the victims of typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines," said United States of Hope Member Sam Redfern. "We have a Facebook page up and it's called 'Big Sky Big Heart.' We have volunteers all over the state that have been putting together and picking up carts full of donations."

Redfern said they are not looking for cash donations, but are in need of things like first-aid kits, bottled water, blankets and other emergency supplies. Montana-based transporter Watkins and Shepard has agreed to help ship the goods to Seattle, but Redfern said they still need Missoulians to help box up the supplies.

"What we're going to do is on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., we are going to be doing a packing party," Redfern said. "There should be food, and beverages, and a little bit of a presentation by June Noel on where these items are going, and we'd welcome citizens in the community to attend that."

Drop off locations for supplies will be located at various locations throughout the week, including the Orange Street Food Farm, The Jeanette Rankin Peace Center, The Army Navy Adventure Source, The Good Food Store and Village Health Care Center, to name a few.

For more information visit the Big Sky Big Heart Facebook page.