Tulsa Business Owner Collecting Items To Send To Native Liberia

There is an effort happening in Oklahoma to help people in Liberia who face the threat of Ebola.

A Tulsa business owner who is originally from Liberia is asking for donations of equipment and supplies to send to people terrified by the outbreak.

Although he's been in the U.S. for 14 years - ten years with a moving and overseas shipping business in Tulsa - Sam Dgardu's heart is with people in his native Liberia.

"It's sad, and it's very, very touching, because these are my people," he said.

With more than 6,500 Ebola cases in Liberia, and more than 2,400 killed by the illness, health and social systems there are taxed, and Dgardu said he couldn't sit by and do nothing.

List Of Supplies Needed For The Prevention Of Ebola In Liberia

"I realize there are two kinds of people in this world. People that hear about a story and they empathize and sympathize with others, and someone that will hear about a story and say ‘I need to do something,'" he said.

Dgardu is collecting items at his Tulsa business to send to Liberia; things that can help prevent the spread of Ebola, like hand sanitizer, gloves, and bleach, plus other supplies people need.

"I feel like we can help. I think there are a lot of people that want the help, but they don't have the means," he said.

Through his contacts and friends in Liberia, and with his shipping business, Dgardu hopes to provide that avenue for Oklahomans to make a difference and will deliver the items at the end of this month.

"I feel the pain and the agony," Dgardu said.

Tage Swallre is a pastor in Liberia who is visiting the U.S. while his wife, children, congregation and friends are back home.

"Everybody is scared to death and disease, so it's panicking," Swallre said.

He said the generosity of Oklahomans will go a long way toward helping people, no matter how large or small the donation.

"Each individual has a role to serve humanity and life," he said.

Donations can be dropped off at Dgardu's business, Load N Go Shipping, located at 54th and Mingo, or he'll even arrange to pick up items.

"It touches my heart that I have to do something," said Dgardu.

Dgardu business is in a warehouse area, so it might be tough to find. The best thing is to call 918-955-5662 to get directions to drop off items.