Latvia

Orphan Grain Train began regular humanitarian aid shipments to Latvia in the spring of 1993. In many of the years since then, volunteers have returned with photos of orphanages, hospitals, and women's prisons that have been provisioned by Orphan Grain Train. The warmest colors in these photos are those of handmade quilts neatly folded on each bed. Volunteers from across America make these quilts, which brighten the only private space these women and children have.

Imagine the joy of our partners in Latvia when they open boxes containing hard-to-buy items like soap, toothpaste and washcloths. Quilts, personal hygiene kits, first-aid supplies, medicine-chest kits, and, underwear are all gratefully received.

When people ask if we still need quilts we always say, "Yes!" (And we also can use hygiene kits, new underwear, and men's work clothes.) Orphan Grain Train will never meet all the humanitarian needs of countries like Latvia. But it is a Christian witness to many who think they have no hope.

Boxes of Orphan Grain Train humanitarian aid at the Red Cross warehouse in Riga.

Thank you to the quilters of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the many quilt-making groups across America who share their quilts and comforters of all sizes with Orphan Grain Train. Thank you also to the children who have donated backpacks full of school supplies. Thanks to your gifts, many children now have warmth and hope.

Click here for more news of work in Latvia.

Click here to learn more about Latvia at Wikipedia.org.