Senior to Senior Disaster Preparedness

Here is an innovative idea for you--one that combines the efforts of two different generations to accomplish some good. I got the following in an email from Marc Avni.
"I know that Emergency Preparedness is important to you. With that in mind, I would like to make you aware of an exciting project that is reaching culmination on November 20th here in Monroe [Washington]. The project is called "Senior-to-Senior" and it involves a joint effort between High School Seniors and Senior Citizens that will have two main goals.

The first is jointly packing 100 emergency preparedness kits for distribution to low-income Seniors and younger, disabled individuals though the Sky Valley Food Bank. The second goal is to foster an increased appreciation for what these two generations can offer each other.

We have engaged many community partners including the Sky Valley Food Bank, Senior Services of Snohomish County and Costco. We have received financial support from the Nysether Family Foundation, Puget Sound Energy, the Monroe Schools Foundation and former Monroe City Councilman Mitch Ruth. Jeff Guite of American Preparedness has been a huge help."

A couple of thoughts on the above. First is that we need to continue to explore ways we can make a difference in our community and disaster preparedness. Good, new ideas are always welcomed. Secondly I'm glad that Marc called out the work of Jeff Guite. He is one of many disaster preparedness supply companies who have always worked in partnership with emergency managers. Thank you Jeff and all the other companies who have worked together with their local emergency managers.

The only downside I can see to the project above is that when you give a kit to low income folks and don't give them the information on what the kit is for and how to use it--many times the kits are just cannibalized over time. So, when you have a project like this, be sure to take a holistic approach.

Way to go Marc and all the folks up in Monroe!