World Concern Continues Providing Relief to Afghan Families

World Concern
Sunday, 7 October 2001

SEATTLE – International relief and development organization World Concern remains committed to providing aid to Afghan families in the wake of United States military action against terrorists' strongholds within Afghanistan. Currently, World Concern is supplying thousands of families in northern Afghanistan and Tajikistan with food, blankets and clothing. With increased fighting and winter setting in, thousands more are expected to flee north, and World Concern plans to expand their current relief efforts.

Shortly after the bombing campaign had begun, World Concern Relief Director Kelly Miller stated, "We appreciate seeing food aid being air-dropped to the Afghan people. Still, to meet the extreme needs within the country, 7.5 million people at risk of starvation, a massive effort by both governments and aid organizations like World Concern will be critical. Expanding our work, however, depends largely upon immediate individual contributions by the public. It is imperative that food and supplies get to families before winter arrives."

Globally, Afghanistan was World Concern's highest rated country in terms of need even before September 11th. For the past 20 years, World Concern worked as part of a multi-agency partnership throughout Afghanistan providing medical care, education, community development and relief to women, children and others in desperate need. Recently, the Taliban shut down those projects, which led World Concern to expand their relief efforts in the north. World Concern has worked with partners in Tajikistan and northern Afghanistan for three years shipping and delivering supplies to families in need.

World Concern will also be sending thousands of emergency SHARE Kits that include items such as soap, washcloths, and shampoo, which are now being collected in the northwest in partnership with churches and schools. Still, the greatest need is food and $35.00 will feed a family of 5 for a month.

For more information, or to contact World Concern, see their website at: www.worldconcern.org