Ingathering

Have you ever wondered how Lutheran World Relief Quilts & Kits - Mission Quilts, Fleece Tied Blankets, School Kits, Personal Care Kits, Baby Care Kits, Fabric Kits, soap - get from our churches to needy part of the world?

Every year, the Ingathering of quilts and kits takes place at churches in the Virginia area in conjunction with Church World Service. These items are collected with the help of volunteers and then start them on their way to Lutheran World Relief's warehouse in New Windsor, Maryland.

Accepted items include: mission quilts, fleece tied blankets, school kits, personal care kits, baby care kits, and fabric kits.
Packing Notes: 40 lb. limit per box and please use strong cartons secured with packing tape. Label the contents in large block letters. Do not mix contents.

Updates from LWR's Headquarters

For those interested in what LWR needs most, School Kit inventory is at a critical low right now, with Personal Care Kits doing only marginally better. Summer is a great time to hit those back-to-school sales and stock up on supplies for both these Kits!

The summer issue of Faith in Action should be arriving in mailboxes the first week of July. Please pay particular attention to the article on quality control. Generally, LWR has good reports from partners about the quality of the items we send, and LWR has a great reputation among partners around the world. This reputation is precious, not only because it has value for LWR, but because it means we are providing our neighbors around the world with useful items, and in doing so we are treating them with dignity and respect.

That’s why it’s critical to follow all of LWR’s guidelines closely. Small things that may get by LWR’s warehouse staff, such as devotional books or tracts, or even “extras” not included in LWR’s list for a particular Kit, can create a big problem if discovered by customs officials. Any divergence from what is on the packing list can cause a shipment to be delayed, and potentially even destroyed. Similarly, including damaged items in Baby Care Kits, such as stained or very worn clothes, can cause a problem. Ultimately, LWR wants each person who receives a Quilt or Kit from LWR to feel that they are being treated with dignity. Passing along heavily used or soiled items does not communicate that dignity, and can create a problem with customs and partners alike.

Thank you, as always, for your incredible work, dedication, creativity and passion for this ministry. We simply could not do it without you, and we thank God for you!