Blankets for homeless needed to keep Detroit area nonprofit open

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) - A group dedicated to getting blankets to the homeless as temperatures drop is at risk of shutting down if they don't get help soon.

The World Medical Relief has been helping people since 1953. Founded in Detroit and now based in Southfield, its mission was to send supplies to orphans in Korea during the war.

Now the organization provides medical supplies and equipment to hospitals and clinics in developing countries. World Medical Relief also helps needy people right here in metro Detroit.

Right now it is in desperate need of blankets or cash donations to buy them.

"It doesn't take that much money - $5 will buy a crib blanket and that's a blanket for a little child," said Josephine Jabara. "And $7 will buy an adult twin size. So you can see by donating money, your money will go very far because these items are much more expensive if you buy them in the store."

While they will accept larger blankets, twin size is preferred.  

"Most people need twin size. They don't have a nice comfy queen size or king size bed. They are truly in a situation where they maybe have twin size bed and not much else," Jabara said.

You can drop off cash or new twin blankets at the organization's headquarters in Southfield. You can also donate online. Please visit www.worldmedicalrelief.org for more information, to sign up to volunteer or to donate.

Donate new, twin size blankets and drop off to World Medical Relief, 21725 Melrose Ave. Southfield, MI 48075 on Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Donate by check to World Medical Relief, 21725 Melrose Ave. Southfield, MI 48075 

Donate Online at Worldmedicalrelief.org