Brighten the Future of Gaza's Children

A Breakthrough!  We found a way to ship donations directly to Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations in Gaza — something no one knew about.

Our plan is to send a first pallet of solar-powered lights to the Gaza Community Mental Health Program, to be distributed to children in need and their families in Gaza.   

We hope to raise 14K by Valentine’s Day.

“It’s not about a light recharged by solar energy.  It’s about hope, a small gift that brings a smile and reminds us there is a life to live and wishes for better future.
10 years of electricity shortages have dumbed our souls to only retreat and give up.   Your help, your light inspires us to know that Goodness still is alive in this world, still alive in your heart beat, giving us warmth to continue and believe in the chance for peace and a better life.” 
          —  Ameer in Gaza City, who tested a Luci Light with his family

Last Friday, Feb. 5th, Rebuilding Alliance placed the down payment for the purchase of our first pallet of solar-powered Luci Lights for the children of Gaza.   With your help, we'll pay the remainder for this pallet, and put a down payment on the next. With your help, we'll ship by the end of this month, in time for students to   use the Luci Lights to study for their finals.

You ask, 'Will they let it in?'  In preparation, Rebuilding Alliance is drawing on everything we've learned about shipping to Gaza to get this pallet, and the next two pallets, through: 

• In December, we sent Luci Light samples to the Israeli Customs office - they saw no problem; 
• Last week, the Palestinian Customs office gave their approval for the donation and forwarded forms to secure pre-clearance in Israel; 
• To assure timely Customs approval, we asked our Senators, Representatives and the U.S. State Department to help today.  With their assistance, we've cleared our past shipments, every time.

When Gaza Community Mental Health Programme receives these lights, their staff will distribute them to children in therapy and to their siblings.

“We have plenty of children who are engaged in our play therapy and counseling programs. We can just give them the solar lights at the end of their debriefings.  These usually take place just before the start of final exams.  This is my thought for now, and I know the teams here will come up with more ideas for sure.”  — Dr. Yasser Abu Jamei, Executive Director of GCMHP

Today is a good day to send a Valentine's Day gift to Gaza's Children, in the name of someone you love. Please Give a Little Light to Gaza’s Children, with Love. 

Sincerely,
Donna

Links:

• Our 3min video: Brighten the Future of Gaza's Children

Dear Friend,

Thank you for your continued support of the Backpacks for Gaza project! We are happy to announce that the container arrived to port on September 22 and our team is working dillegently to make sure all of the necessary paperwork is finalized to assure its safe passage from Ashdod to the children who need it most.  We're expecting clearance by early next week and our team is applying to be there in November to help with distribution.

I am happy to announce that our next container will include solarpowered, inflatable lights with each backpack kit with school supplies and books to give children and their families a way to  read, do homework or play at night despite ongoing power outages in the Gaza strip.  The lights are called Luci Lights and the company who makes them, Mpowerd, is providing them at a 40% discount for our project, now called Solar Lights and Backpack Kits for Gaza's Children!

We are kicking off our next major fundraising campaign for the next container this Wednesday, October 7th. Wednesday is the final Microsoft Youthspark Matching Grant Competition, meaning that there is $75,000 in matching grants available for all donations!   The matching grants start at NOON Eastern / 9am Pacific and ends at 11:59 Eastern / 9pm Pacific. 

We are excited that this project is a Microsoft Youthspark program, and hope that you will join us as we compete to win thousands of dollars in bonus prizes for Gaza's children by having the largest number of unique donors.  Please set your alarm for this Wednesday, Octover 7th, and share a message of hope with your friends and family by asking them to give too - give Gaza's children hope for a brighter future by giving the gift of light.

With many thanks,

Kelly Leilani Main 

P.S.  If you know of a major donor who would like help buy or supply new warm winter clothes and boots for Gaza's children in need, please give me a call at 650 325-4663.