"We have all witnessed the atrocities in Yugoslavia during the last several weeks as the situation continues to escalate there," said Engler. "Through this whole terrible ordeal Kosovar refugees have had to endure inhuman and cruel acts that most of us cannot even comprehend. By helping with supplies and medical relief we are doing our small part to help."

"Michigan is known for its compassion and willingness to respond to people in need," said James K. Haveman, Jr., director of the Michigan Department of Community Health. "Michigan Cares II is an opportunity for Michigan citizens to give generously to the victims of tragedy."

Haveman stood in for Governor Engler at the Lansing press conference. Engler is on a trade trip in Germany.

As part of Michigan Cares II, International Aid will assist local authorities in the Peshkopi prefecture of Albania to ensure shelter, food security and primary health care support for new arrivals from Kosovo--up to 10,000 men, women and children—for the next six months.

Haveman was joined by Ralph Plumb, president and CEO of International Aid; Dr. Milton Amayun, vice president of international programs for International Aid; and Ron Maines, an international relief specialist for International Aid, who recently returned from visiting relief camps in Albania and Macedonia.

"International Aid is pleased to once again partner with Governor Engler and the State of Michigan in this humanitarian effort," Plumb said. "This joint effort is crucial in order to help people through this tragedy."

In the next several weeks, Engler is expected to send letters to Michigan companies requesting specific material goods for the refugees in Peshkopi.

International Aid, of Spring Lake, has a proven track record of providing food, health and hope to those in need at home in the U.S. and around the world in over 170 countries. The group has conducted major relief efforts in difficult places like Bosnia, Somalia, Rwanda and Central America. A tax exempt, 501 (c) 3 organization, International Aid was incorporated in 1980 by a group of businessmen who had a passion for providing goods and resources to people involved in relief activities.

The agency’s headquarters in Spring Lake, houses the central distribution center where medical supplies , pharmaceuticals, equipment, blankets, food, personal care items and much more are stored in its 100,000 square-foot-warehouse and shipped stateside and around the world to areas served by this organization.