The value of a food parcel depends on who you ask.
If you’re a numbers person, you might say it’s $45.
For a parent in a war zone, it’s so much more.
"The food parcel you provided relieved me from the stress that had been weighing on me for weeks.”
That’s how Bahij Tawk Mahdi, a 67-year-old father of three, felt when he received a food parcel. His family is among nearly 100,000 Lebanese citizens who are displaced from the southern borders as clashes between Hezbollah and Israel rage on.
Parcels contain enough canned food, essential staples, fresh produce and rice to feed a family for a week. So far, we have reached 222 families with food and over 1,000 families with LWR Quilts, Personal Care Kits, School Kits and Fabric Kits.
These families are among the most difficult to reach in the world. But this aid was able to reach them because of strong partnerships and long-term support, made possible by generous Lutheran donors in the U.S.
Our courageous team in Lebanon said the support is “a beacon of compassion” that nourishes the bodies and spirits of the families who have lost so much. They described children, haunted by the trauma of war, lighting up upon receiving the supplies.
They felt a renewal of energy and hope.
Families remain resilient
Life in South Lebanon was peaceful and on the verge of economic recovery before violence erupted. Now, families are living in vacant buildings. Some are staying with family members. Children haven’t been able to resume their studies as all education in the region has been suspended.
Parents, like Kamal Mansour, have no choice but to focus on survival. They work day and night to protect the ones they love.
Kamal’s heart is heavy. Today, he feels lighter. 
“It’s not just about the food. It’s a temporary relief from the constant worry about how to provide for my family. For the next week, I can divert my thoughts from the struggles of daily survival and find solace in the fact that our basic needs are met.”
His message to everyone who continues to support him — and families like his around the world — is THANK YOU.
He also makes a heartfelt plea to not forget all those who continue to struggle in crises and conflict.
More aid on the way
You heard his plea.
Because of you, more aid is on the way.
A shipment of LWR Quilts and Kits is headed to Lebanon and will be distributed to the many families who need them — not only to fulfill their basic needs but also to warm their hearts.
This is one of many shipments headed to your neighbors who need them — near and far.
The ripple effect of your kindness and compassion leads to lasting change and helps to shape a brighter future for Bahij, Kamal and so many others like them.