Wednesday, August 15, a deadly earthquake shook Peru. The death toll, already in the hundreds, continues to rise. Tens of thousands of people are displaced and many are injured. Aftershocks continue to cause more damage.

World Emergency Relief (WER) is sending immediate aid to the earthquake survivors. WER's relief team will arrive in Lima, Peru today to assess what is most needed and to help distribute food and medical supplies. The team will also help with other local relief efforts.

WER is shipping an additional 40' relief container of food, medicine, blankets and other emergency supplies next week. WER plans on sending later shipments of medicine and emergency supplies.

Tragically, during major disasters, children are frequently sexually abused or kidnapped and sold into sexual exploitation. WER intends to coordinate with Viva Network for in-country protection of vulnerable, displaced children. WER was one of the first global NGOs to address the important issue of Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) during disasters. WER had a similar program during the December 2004 tsunami and is building on their past program success.

World Emergency Relief is a global family of seven charities sharing a common vision and core values. WER's family works together with local and indigenous nonprofit organizations to fight poverty and hunger, and provide relief for victims of disaster, conflict and despair. Our vision is "giving children a living chance", by addressing the practical, emotional, spiritual, educational and economic needs of children, their families and their communities.

For more information about World Emergency Relief, please call (760) 930-8001 or (888) HUG-4-KID (toll free). Donations can be sent to: World Emergency Relief, P.O. Box 131570, Carlsbad, CA 92013.