ARLINGTON — Like many local residents, Dawn Cahoon was shocked and saddened by the devastation wrought on Japan by its recent earthquake and subsequent tsunami, so she and her fellow parishioners at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Arlington are taking steps to help those who have been hit hardest by this disaster.

According to Cahoon, the congregation of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church has been working overtime to get as many personal care kits as possible assembled and ready to ship out to Lutheran World Relief Headquarters. These personal care kits are given to individuals when they arrive at refugee camps or aid distribution centers.

“A personal care kit can remind someone that, although they may be alone, people around the world are reaching out to them with love,” Cahoon said. “It is a reminder of humanity and compassion. Last year alone, nearly 175,000 of these kits were given out. This year, the numbers are even greater.”

Each kit includes the following items:

• One bath-size towel, approximately 52 inches by 27 inches, dark color recommended.

• Two bath-size bars of soap, four to five ounces each, any brand, in their original wrapping.

• One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging.

• One sturdy comb.

• One set of metal nail-clippers.

Toothbrush multi-packs may be used by sealing an individual toothbrush in a business envelope, but not in plastic bags or wrap. All items should be new and in good condition, without any religious or patriotic symbols.

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church will be hosting a kit-assembling party on April 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 615 E. Highland Drive. For more information, please contact the church office at 360-435-8921.