with much-needed supplies for the war-torn region.

Mrs. Lucy Willitts, who has just returned from a visit to Bosnia, said yesterday the 20-foot container, belonging to Croatian Container Line, will be in Bermuda by Sunday.

Now, she is appealing for residents to donate food, medicine, pharmaceuticals and cuddly toys.

"Mr. Giorgio Zanol, of Lindo's is kindly allowing us to place the container outside his supermarket for one week. I'm sure everyone who has seen the terrible pictures of what is happening in Bosnia, especially to the children, will want to help,'' she said.

She is hoping people will come forward as individuals and as groups to assist: "When I was in Bosnia, I found there are terrible food shortages, so tinned food would be very welcome. Also, powdered and evaporated milk. There is a desperate need for things like aspirin, children's liquid aspirin, vitamins, diapers, first-aid items, such as band-aids and ointments and toiletries.

Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and shampoo are now real luxuries for them. I'm also hoping that we can send some soft toys to comfort these children. Some of them have seen their parents killed or have been separated from them and have absolutely nothing left.'' Mrs. Willitts said she was very encouraged by the initial response to her appeal, which is being sponsored by the Medjugorje Peace Plan Group from St.

Patrick's Church, Smith's Parish: "And the container hasn't even arrived yet.

I have just heard that Mr. Ward Young of Bermuda General Agency is donating 200 cubic feet of baby formula and cereals.'' She said an older lady had insisted on giving her $50, explaining that although she couldn't really afford it, she felt the people of Bosnia needed it more than she did.

Mrs. Willitts said that Lindo's are also providing free trucking to pick up and return the container to the dock.

Explaining she had secured the container through Mr. Zumic Ranko, a Croatian in the shipping business, who up until last week had been working in Bermuda, Mrs. Willitts said he had been "very helpful'' in getting the project underway. She said she is also grateful to Mr. Robert (Skippy) Lewis of BCL who is shipping the container at a discount price.

The container will be outside Lindo's from Sunday afternoon, April 25 for one week, through Sunday, May 3.

Members of the public can take donations daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mrs.

Willitts is requesting that items be boxed, if possible, with a tin-opener if tinned goods are donated and that a general description of contents be written on the outside.

Anyone shopping in Lindo's will find a drop-box beside the container for individual items.

Mrs. Willitts said clothing should not be donated, as it was difficult to sort and pack.

She said she would be happy to hear from wholesale agents as she has not yet had time to contact them personally.

She was also appealing for male volunteers to help pack the container. Anyone who can help or who needs further information is urged to telephone Mrs.

Willitts at 292-6185 as soon as possible.