Iraqi children to benefit from supply drive
Staff members of The Waters of Greencastle are collecting supplies to help US military men and women provide aid to burned children in Iraq.
The Convoy Support Center's Scania Burn Clinic treats Iraqi citizens who have suffered burns, and in many cases, been refused care in local Iraqi hospitals.
Volunteer U.S. military personnel operate the clinic but all supplies are donated.
The project was brought to the attention of The Waters by staff member Kori-Ann Curtis whose uncle is a volunteer at the facility.
The majority of burns are caused by household hazards like children pulling hot teakettles or pans from stoves onto themselves and gas explosions, said Corporal Barzeski, who is deployed from Fort Bragg, N.C., and is the NCO in charge of the clinic.
Though the clinic is not able to provide the level of care that a patient might receive in the U.S., the treatment they give exceeds the level of care that children might receive at an Iraqi hospital.
For help finding building supplies for the clinic, the soldiers have turned to their supporters at home.
"We're receiving tons of help from all over, people want to support this mission,' said Corporal Barzeski.
"It makes us feel good that we're really doing something to help these people. Even just to take a little tiny chunk of the population and make a difference, to make it so that people can come back and say the Americans helped us. That makes it all worthwhile."
Holly Wachtel, CEO at The Waters is spearheading a campaign to collect supplies like bandages, ointment, gloves and other medical supplies. She hopes other facilities will take the challenge and join the campaign to collect supplies.
"This is just the beginning. We can really make a difference," she declares.
Wachtel has arranged for drop off sites to include not only The Waters but also the Armory in Greencastle.
To make a donation of supplies contact The Waters of Greencastle for details.
For more information on the clinic, contact Corporal Barzeski at joseph.barzeski@us.army.mil.