The Players, patron-sponsored ShelterBox deployed for Somalia

Nancy Arbuckle, Jeffery Kin and Michelle Bianchi Pingel.

 A ShelterBox that was sponsored by The Players Theatre staff and patrons last summer has finally been deployed. The box was recently sent to Somalia to assist with the drought and ongoing conflicts that have resulted in more than one million people leaving their homes.

ShelterBox is an international organization that has been working in partnership with Women And Health Alliance (WAHA) International to set up tents for living spaces and medical treatment rooms in Mogadishu, providing emergency shelter, comfort and dignity to those families most vulnerable. As of now 224 boxes along with 250 tents have been sent to Somalia.

“Last year, we had a dream at the theatre. What if we banded together so the theatre could purchase its very own shelter box?” asked Jeffery Kin, artistic director of The Players Theatre. “Even though the economic times were tough for us locally, we wanted to make a small difference for some needy people somewhere in the world. We are used to making a local impact, but could we make a difference globally? The answer was yes! And we are very proud!”

The Players Theatre is at 838 N. Tamiami Trail in Sarasota. Visit www.theplayers.org for more info. To view the details and track the ShelterBox location, visit www.shelterbox.org and type in ShelterBox #20017.