Every year Lutherans across the U.S. sew quilts and assemble kits of supplies that LWR sends to partners around the world that request them to meet the needs of people affected by poverty and disaster.
Mission Quilts were one of the earliest forms of aid that Lutherans sent through LWR to reach out to people in other parts of the world. In 2016, LWR sent $14 million worth of quilts and kits to more than 576,000 people in 21 different countries.
There are five kinds of LWR Kits:
- LWR Personal Care Kits contain items like toothbrushes, wash cloths, and soap, intended to help a person or family maintain hygiene practices.
- LWR School Kits contain notebooks, pencils, erasers, a backpack, and other items to use for students to attend school.
- LWR Baby Care Kits contain T-shirts, cloth diapers, and other items to care for a baby.
- LWR Fabric Kits contain fabric, thread, and needles so that people can learn to sew, potentially to earn an income.
- Covid 19 Defense Kits contain items like face masks, essential hygiene items and self care supplies.
In 2013, LWR joined the United Nations Humanitarian Resource Depot, which allowed it to pre-position quilts and kits in depots across the world for rapid deployment after an emergency.