Seabees organize donation drive in Kandahar
01.07.2011 ISAF Joint Command KABUL, Afghanistan – Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalions 18 and 40, assigned to Task Force Raider, concluded a donation drive Jan. 5 at Camp Nathan Smith to benefit the Kandahar Department of Women’s Affairs.
They raised more than $8,000 in clothes, school supplies, food, hygiene products and toys for women in need in Kandahar province.
“The donations were extra special because they came from
our families and friends back home,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Carolina Forero from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40. “This is just another example of how the American people are helping and showing their support for the people of this country.”
“The donations came in slowly throughout the summer and fall but as soon as Christmas came, everything took off,” said Petty Officer 1st Class, Tito Galindo, event coordinator, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 40.
The KDWA assists women who have suffered from abuse, impoverishment or other issues that have resulted in hard times for women in the province.
“Words can’t describe how much this means to me and the women who need it,” said Zobida Pahinda, director, Kandahar Women’s Affairs. “What you and your families have done will not be forgotten.”
After thanking the Seabees, Pahinda quickly began inventorying the items and placing them against a list of women in need.
“This is the type of cooperation Afghanistan needs to move the country forward,” said Pahinda. “The Seabees’ contribution has set the bar for building lasting relationships.”
The Seabees immediately went to work filling six containers worth of items and used a crane to lift the items onto Pahinda’s flat-bed truck.
“A lot of work still needs to be done,” said Pahinda. “The next plan of action is to ensure each woman gets whatever supplies she needs as quickly as possible.”
The Seabees, who are approaching the completion of their deployment, wanted to be certain that they left Afghanistan in better condition than when they arrived.
“As our tour comes to an end, we couldn’t think of a better way to reach out and positively impact those around us,” said Galindo.
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