In 1945, our Lutheran forebearers joined together to be the Body of Christ in the world, responding boldly to the needs of our neighbors in Europe after World War II. With each passing year, God has opened our hearts to the ever-growing needs in our hurting world, and our ministry has grown.
Today, together, we go where no one else goes — to the front lines of war, and to places even cars can't reach. And we stay as long as we’re needed to help families recover and rebuild.
Thank you for continuing the legacy of love that began 80 years ago … until your love reaches every neighbor..
Resources for Your Congregation
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POSTER
Going Farther, Staying Longer (Poster)
Download, print and hang on your church’s bulletin board
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GUIDE
80th Anniversary: A Guide for Congregations
Download now to receive tips and resources for celebrating with us
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ENVELOPE
Pew Envelopes
Order your free envelopes to make congregational giving fast and easy
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BROCHURE
How Your Love Changes Lives
Request free copies to spread the word about Lutheran World Relief’s work
Through the years:
Lutheran World Relief Quilts & Kits
From the very beginning, quilters and kit makers have been a cornerstone of Lutheran World Relief. While the work is not yet done, your love continues to grow and reach farther than ever.
Journey with us through some of the highlights of the last eight decades — and 136 countries — of your Christian stewardship.
A timeline of the Quilt & Kit Ministry
1945
Lutheran World Relief is founded following World War II
Within the first three months of 1946, 2,260 bales of clothing and bedding, plus 245 bags of shoes, were shipped to five countries in Europe. By mid-March there were an estimated 20,000 bales of clothing, or 2 million pounds, available in the warehouse.
1962
First kits begin
Over the following eight decades, there have been many variations including Kiddie Kits (such as the Palestinian boys receiving these kits in Jordan, 1962), Health Kits and Clothing Kits. Today, LWR distributes four types: Personal Care Kits, Baby Care Kits, School Kits and Fabric Kits. (Photo from the ELCA Archives)
1986
LWR Quilts distributed in Niger
“I remember a trip to a quilt distribution in Niger. The quilts were in bales and when they were cut open, they started to grow. They expanded as if to take a breath, ready to offer warmth and love. I looked up, and all I could see was a large cloud of dust. In that cloud were hundreds of people — men, women and children, some crippled or blind — coming to get quilts. As soon as they got them, they would hold them to their chest, as if hugging it to their hearts. Isn’t that what quilters are doing? Stitching us all together through their love." Kirk Betts, former LWR Board Member (Photo from the ELCA Archives)
1999
Good Samaritan Quilt Plaza started.
2005
First LWR U.S. domestic emergency response following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, partnering with International Orthodox Christian Charities and Lutheran Disaster Response.
2013
Neighbors in New York and New Jersey receive LWR Quilts and Kits following Storm Sandy, in partnership with International Orthodox Christian Charities.
2019
In Tanzania, quilts are used to reduce stunting. Energy used by small children staying warm often expends precious calories they can’t afford to waste. By having the warmth of quilts, children are growing stronger and taller.
2020
A massive explosion occurs in the Beirut port, considered one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history. Three containers of LWR Quilts & Kits are miraculously found safe, although everything around them was destroyed. These quilts and kits are then distributed to Palestinian and Syrian refugees in the country.
2022
Reminiscent of LWR’s beginnings responding to war in Europe, Ukraine is attacked by Russia and millions are trapped and in desperate need of support and compassion. Your love surrounds our neighbors still.
2024
Domestic distribution officially launches as hurricanes Helene and Milton devastate the Southeastern U.S.
