Silver Spring, Maryland--The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is preparing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day, December 1, with the release of the 2008 ADRA World AIDS Day kit, a collection of valuable information and resources that focus on the global AIDS pandemic and ways that communities can contribute toward the eradication of the disease.

In this year's ADRA World AIDS Day kit, supporters will find a World AIDS Day Guide, which includes testimonies from people who are living with HIV/AIDS, important facts, and ways to get involved. Also enclosed is a newsletter/church bulletin insert, a pulpit announcement, and a poster that can be used to raise awareness of World AIDS Day in local churches, schools, community centers, and businesses.

"With these resources, ADRA is empowering every person to advocate in their own communities on behalf of the millions of people around the world who have been touched by HIV and AIDS," said Hearly Mayr, Director for Public Awareness at ADRA International.

Supporters can also request a copy of ADRA's 2009 Really Useful Gift Catalog, which features a collection of development projects, including HIV and AIDS initiatives in Ghana, Liberia, and Swaziland that individuals and institutions can support with their donations.

ADRA is offering free commemorative World AIDS Day ribbons that can be worn to show support for the cause. Both ribbons and kits can be ordered at www.adra.org, by email at RibbonsofHope@adra.org, or by phone at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372). Resources are available in the U.S. and Canada while supplies last.

Around the world, an estimated 33 million are currently living with HIV. Of that number, more than 15 million are children under the age of 15. World AIDS Day, which was first created by the World Health Organization and the United Nations General Assembly in 1988, has brought increased awareness about the disease, combating prejudices, and providing increased understanding worldwide.

For more details about the HIV and AIDS crisis, including valuable information regarding ADRA's response to the pandemic, go to www.adra.org.

ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

Author: Nadia McGill

Media Contact: John Torres, Senior Public Relations Manager, ADRA International 12501 Old Columbia Pike Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301.680.6357 E-mail: Media.Inquiries@adra.org