Arlington Christian Bible Fellowship has collected hundreds of pounds of donations in its supply drive for families living in Liberia, where much of the Ebola outbreak has been centered, but it still needs more.
About 90 percent of the church's 500-member congregation are Liberian, and many of them have loved ones still in their native Liberia.
The supply drive was coordinated by Carolyn Woahloe, of the newly-formed Liberia Nurses Association of DFW.
She said she speaks to family members in Liberia often, and they tell her many don't leave the house out of fear of getting sick. People are also fearful to tell others if they feel ill.
"People are so fearful of telling somebody that, 'I have a fever,' because nowadays, when you tell someone you have a fever, everyone thinks, 'Oh, yes, you have Ebola,'" said Woahloe.
Dr. Kent Brantly and Nancy Writebol were working with a relief organization in Liberia when they contracted the virus. Both were released from hospitalization this week after doctors said they were cured of Ebola.
While the news gives hope to church members, they're still collecting supplies to send overseas where items are running low and prices are steep for some everyday items.
For example, a gallon of bleach now costs as high as $25.
If you are interested in donating, drop off your supplies or a monetary donation, at the church, located at 1501 S. Center Street in Arlington. Members will accept donations for the next four weeks.
List of needed supplies:
- Gloves (various sizes)
- Hand sanitizers
- Soaps
- Disinfectant wipe and sprays
- Infection control items
- Clorox
- Detergent
- Masks
- Overalls
- Water
- Food Supplies
- Monetary donations
