FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2008

Contact: Susan Laarman, 503-341-3799 or slaar@imagina.com

Note: Mercy Corps' work in China is in partnership with long-time partner: the China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation

- Agency partners with local All China Youth Federation; sending more aid workers

- Will develop "Comfort for Kids" program to help youth cope

Portland, OR - Mercy Corps' emergency response team working in Sichuan province reports that better weather has opened up transportation to all areas of the earthquake-affected region and more than 22 truckloads of lifesaving supplies were delivered to survivors today. Supplies include food and shelter: biscuits, water, milk, noodles and tents. Mercy Corps' material aid team is working on plans to send medicines including antibiotics. Mercy Corps has established an office in Chongqing near the quake's epicenter.

"The good news is that we're able to reach people in more isolated areas today and all roads are open," reported Mercy Corps aid worker Joy Portella. "The bad news is that it was a very sad and emotional day for many people as more bodies were uncovered from rubble and people realize that those counted as missing may not be alive this many days after the disaster."

The Chinese government reported that the death toll could reach 50,000. Mercy Corps' relief team is particularly concerned about the psychological needs of children, who are often most affected by crises of this scale. Plans are being made to develop a "Comfort for Kids" program to help youth and caregivers cope with the tremendous loss.

Mercy Corps announced today that it will partner with the All China Youth Federation, a China-based umbrella organization that works with a large and diverse network of local groups. They have more than 400 million members.

Updates from aid workers will be posted on Mercy Corps web site www.mercycorps.org.

Mercy Corps is currently accepting donations for humanitarian assistance to cyclone victims. Distribution of donations will be monitored by Mercy Corps and reputable local partner organizations.

HOW TO HELP: Mercy Corps China Earthquake Fund Dept NR PO Box 2669 Portland, OR 97208 www.mercycorps.org 1-800-852-2100

About Mercy Corps: Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.5 billion in assistance to people in 106 nations. Supported by headquarters offices in North America and Europe, the agency's global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach more than 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries. Over the past five years, more than 89 percent of the agency's resources have been allocated directly to programs that help people in need. For more information, visit www.mercycorps.org.