Rebuilding Hope: How CWS Blankets and Kits Are Transforming Lives at the Nehemiah Mission


Nick Gliha | February 26, 2025

The Nehemiah Mission of Cleveland is dedicated to rebuilding hope and transforming communities by providing meals, temporary housing, and support for displaced families. During a visit, CWS’s Nick Gliha witnessed their powerful work firsthand—from serving warm meals to offering CWS Blankets and Kits to those in need. Below is his blog written about the recent experience. Providing Hope Through Meals …

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Community members of the Saint James AME church receive CWS Kits and Blankets

Saint James AME Church: A Legacy of Warmth, Resilience and Care

A Rich History of Community

For nearly 160 years, the Saint James AME Church in Live Oak, Florida, has been a fundamental haven in the community. Before African Americans were allowed to go to school or worship freely, they gathered in this sacred space. Today, the church continues to serve as both a place of worship and a source of generosity and kindness.

“We’re one of the smaller churches, but we have a rich, rich history,” shared Pastor Marvin Bouquette. The church hosts various initiatives throughout the year to build community, from school supply giveaways to Easter egg hunts and family fun days.

Coming Together to Support Eachother 

The sense of community fostered by Saint James AME Church has become a lifeline in times of need. This was especially true when Hurricane Helene hit Live Oak, Florida, this past September. The rural city of fewer than 7,000 people lost electricity and access to water in the aftermath of the storm.

As part of the network of churches that Church World Service (CWS) supports, Saint James AME Church partnered with the CWS Kits and Blankets program to care for its members and neighbors after the hurricane.

Delivering Hope with CWS Kits and Blankets

“With the partnership, we distributed to about 200 people and not just within the four walls of the church,” Pastor Marvin recalled. The church used social media, mass texting, and phone tree systems to ensure the community knew about the distribution.

The response was overwhelming. “The number of people who showed up was mind-boggling,” said Pastor Marvin. People were particularly surprised by the quality of the items they received. “A lot of the times when things are donated, they’re not the best quality, but these heavyweight and lightweight blankets—people love them,” he added.

Extending Help Beyond Church Walls

The distribution extended beyond Saint James AME Church. The church reached out to seven other churches in the area, ultimately supporting about 500 people. Reflecting on the community’s resilience, Pastor Marvin stated, “We make do, and CWS coming in and donating those items allowed us to say, ‘We may not be able to give you electricity right now, but here are some items that can provide comfort.’”

One of the most appreciated items in the CWS Kits was the Period Packs. These packs were in high demand and were the first to run out. Recognizing the importance of these products, a local school administrator took some back to ensure students also had access to them.

The feminine hygiene products in these packs not only provide necessary care but also send a powerful message—reminding individuals with periods that their needs matter, even during a disaster.

An Expression Gratitude 

Pastor Marvin extended his gratitude to those who support the CWS Kits and Blankets program. “There’s a lot of work that goes into these Kits, so on behalf of Saint James AME Church and the Live Oak community, thank you.”

From the compassionate hands that build the Kits to the generous ones that distribute them, CWS Kits and Blankets remain a powerful source of comfort. They connect communities and remind us all of the importance of caring for one another in times of need.

To support individuals affected by recent hurricanes, please consider donating to our disaster response fund. You can learn more about CWS’ Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery work by clicking here and you can get involved in our Kits and Blankets Program here. 

 

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Top: Bethlehem on Broad Street coordinator Jim Lowe Middle: CWS Kits Bottom: Woman holding CWS Blanket

CWS Kits and Blankets Bring Warmth and Hope to Ohio Communities

CWS Blanket and Kit donations have provided warmth and essential support to Ohio communities facing record cold and power outages. The generosity of donors, local shelters and events like Bethlehem on Broad Street have offered comfort, hope and vital supplies to those in need during winter’s harshest challenges.

During the harsh winter days, the generosity of CWS Blanket and Kit donors has provided critical relief to those in need across central and southern Ohio. With record-breaking cold and widespread power outages, many found themselves seeking refuge in local warming shelters. Thanks to donations from Church World Service supporters, these shelters were able to offer warm blankets and essential hygiene kits to their guests. 

Warmth Amid Winter’s Challenges

“This winter storm was devastating, and many people lost electricity, leaving them no choice but to move to a warming center,” said Matthew Stevens, Director of Congregational Campaigns at CWS. “Because of the generous donors from Church World Service, the guests in these shelters received warm blankets and hygiene items, bringing comfort in difficult times.” 

One of the recipients of CWS Blankets was Bethlehem on Broad Street (BOBS), an ecumenical Christmas Day event in Columbus, Ohio, that serves hundreds of people in need. Jim and Gail Lowe, coordinators of BOBS, expressed their deep gratitude for the donations. 

Gratitude from Local Leaders

“I can’t say thank you enough to Church World Service for providing these blankets and hygiene kits for our community,” Jim said. “So many people are in need of extra warmth during the winter, and these blankets are perfect.” 

In addition to their event, Jim and Gail distributed blankets to local warming shelters and organizations supporting unhoused individuals and families. Gail noted, “It’s so heartwarming to know that on these extremely cold days, people can stay warm thanks to the love and care behind these donations.” 

The impact of these gifts stretches far beyond physical warmth, reminding those in need that they are not alone. CWS donors continue to bring hope and compassion to communities facing winter’s harshest challenges. 

 To learn how you can contribute CWS Blankets to our neighbors who need them most, click here.

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Above: Sasha (right) stands next to the CWS Blankets that were distributed in November 2024. Below: CWS Blankets are prepared for distribution.

CWS Blankets Bring Thanksgiving Warmth in Washington State

Many of the clients at Concern for Neighbors Food Bank in Mountlake Terrace, Washington, had a little something extra to be grateful for this Thanksgiving: snuggly CWS Blankets! The food bank provides food and some household supplies to hundreds of people each Tuesday morning, and they added 100 CWS Blankets to their distribution during the week of Thanksgiving 2024. It was the fourth time in five years that CWS supplied blankets for the team at Concern for Neighbors to give out. 

Concern for Neighbors begins their distribution at 9:30 a.m. and has been using a drive-through format since 2020. Clients line up in their cars and neighbors often carpool so that one car may represent a few families. The line of cars often snakes around the block. 

On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Sasha got in line in her car at 5:30 in the morning, four hours before distribution began. It was a cold and cloudy day, typical of the Seattle area this time of year. “I’m not going to keep my car running that long. It’s a waste of gas,” she said. While she waited, Sasha curled up under a gray wool CWS Blanket that she had received during a previous year and napped. “It definitely comes in handy. Sometimes jackets aren’t enough, especially because you don’t want to keep your car running,” she said.

Sasha says that she keeps the gray blanket in her car all the time. “I actually go to work pretty early, so that way I get a good parking spot and don’t have to pay like $60 for parking,” she said. “I use the blanket to take naps in my car before work.” 

Thankfully, Sasha has received both a gray wool blanket and a yellow fleece blanket during that earlier distribution. “The yellow one is for in my house when I’m cuddled up on the couch, because I don’t have heat in my house,” she said. “I haven’t had [the heat] on in five years, so it’s extra cold in the house and I need an extra blanket.” 

“Thank you for the blanket and the thought of it,” Sasha says to the people who make the CWS Blankets program possible. “The material is the best part about it, just because a lot of wool things are hard to find or way more expensive.” 

The clients at Concern for Neighbors will use their CWS Blankets to meet all sorts of needs. Some clients don’t have permanent housing and rely on the blankets for warmth in the cold Washington winters. Some, like Sasha, need that extra boost of warmth in chilly homes and cars. Others need the blankets for new babies or newly-arriving extended family. No matter how they put the blankets to use, all of these neighbors are wrapped up in love as a result of the CWS Blankets program. 

To learn more about how you can get involved in the CWS Blankets program, click here.

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Youth participants at the United Church of Christ Great Lakes and Western Regional Youth Event

Youth Make a Difference in Combating Period Poverty

In July, the United Church of Christ (UCC) Great Lakes and Western Regional Youth Event, held at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, showcased the power of youth activism and community service. In collaboration with Church World Service, over 200 youth from the West Regional Conference and the Great Lakes Conference came together for a special project aimed at combating period poverty and supporting local unhoused youth.

“We are so excited that the youth could gather this year to learn about sharing with others. Our theme is ‘Love is greater than fear’ and our hope is the youth will leave being inspired to make the world a better place,” said Samantha Barrett, one of the organizers of the UCC Regional Youth Gathering.

The highlight of the event was the assembly of 500 CWS Period Packs. This initiative was a part of a broader focus to end period poverty and ensure that menstrual hygiene products are accessible to those in need. These efforts were a testament to the commitment of UCC youth to making a tangible difference in their communities and beyond.

Rachel Kessel, CWS’ Community Engagement Specialist, was amazed by the energy of the youth and their dedication to social justice. “I was inspired by their dedication and giving spirits of the committed youth. They had so much fun with this project, and they really knew that they were making a difference with the local and global communities.”

In addition to the period packs, another group of dedicated youth assembled Unhoused Kits for The Project, a local agency dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth in the Quad City area. Many of these youth experience homelessness and a lack of mental health and other essential services. The UCC youth successfully donated 250 CWS Period Packs, 60 CWS Blankets and 250 Unhoused Kits to The Project, providing much-needed support for these vulnerable individuals.

The remaining 250 CWS Period Packs will be distributed by CWS to other agencies and in emergency situations, ensuring that the benefits of this initiative extend even further.

Jon Skogen, CWS’ Community Engagement Manager, understands the importance of teaching young people about caring for their community. “I was encouraged that the youth were willing to help with whatever was needed—including assembling of the Kits, moving of the boxes and loading of the cars. I was so impressed with how they were being serious and having fun at the same time. They love helping other people!”

This collaborative effort between CWS and the UCC youth not only addressed critical issues but also demonstrated the power of young people to effect positive change. Their dedication and hard work are an inspiration to all, highlighting the importance of community and service.

“This project was only possible because of our partnership with the United Church of Christ and other generous denominations and donors. These amazing partners make an impact around the world. CWS loves working with volunteers of all ages and backgrounds and it is so important to our mission. I hope we inspired these youth to continue to support community service projects for many more years to come,” said David Costellow, CWS’ Community Engagement Manager.

CWS is grateful to the generous donors who make this important work possible. Your support is crucial in enabling us to partner with other groups for these impactful projects and to bring hope to those in need.

To learn more and get involved in the CWS Kits program, visit our website.

Finding Hope After Disaster Strikes


July 22, 2024

On July 7, 2024, Hurricane Beryl struck the Texas coast as a Category 1 hurricane, bringing heavy rains, high winds and widespread power outages that left over two million people in the dark. Flood warnings were posted along the coast, and high winds and water caused widespread damage and debris for millions. In the immediate aftermath of the storm, CWS …

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Top: NC FIELD staff Middle and Bottom: CWS Blanket and Welcome Backpack distribution

Caring for Those Who Take Care of Us

If you open your fridge and find any type of vegetation, there is a good chance it was produced by a migrant farmworker. These hard-working men and women make up about 73% of the nation’s agriculture workforce and quietly ensure that anyone living in the U.S. has fresh food to put on the table. While they take care of all of us, however, oftentimes there is no one taking care of them.

This is where our partnership with organizations like NC FIELD comes into play. NC FIELD’s mission is simple: to ensure that marginalized communities have equitable access to resources and that the communities they live in are inclusive. “In this area, the people who are in most need of services are migrant farmworkers because they have the lowest access to health and social services,” explained Amy Elkins, program coordinator for NC FIELD.

Amy, who has been around this community since she was a child, explained the harsh reality that these individuals live in. “They usually leave for work around 4:00 AM and then are back home around midnight to 1:00 AM. They sleep for a couple of hours, take a shower, eat and then they’re up again at 4:00 AM. It’s very long hours and very hard work.”

These work conditions are even harder when temperatures drop in North Carolina and families don’t have enough blankets to stay warm when they are home. To combat this, NC FIELD reached out to CWS to request some CWS Blankets. As soon as the farm workers arrived from a long day of work, NC FIELD staff was there to hand out CWS warm wool blankets. “They had just arrived and were freezing. They literally didn’t even have coats. They were so grateful and so happy,” Amy recounted. “Just look at their big smiles in the photos!”

In addition to the blankets, CWS also gave NC Field CWS School Kits to the children in these families. When you are working so many long hours and just trying to stay afloat, the last thing on your mind is a quick run to the store for school supplies. “They’re in survival mode,” Amy stated. “We also have a lot of single mothers so these supplies were a huge help.” She added, “It’s so heartwarming to be able to help because there is so much scarcity. When these kids are able to have these school bags and supplies and not have to struggle, it makes them happier.”

At the end of the day, without organizations like NC FIELD and the volunteers who help create and organize our Kits and Blankets, the needs of some of our hardest-working neighbors would not be met. As Amy said, “They are putting food on our tables, but they don’t have access to basic human rights.” We are proud to work with organizations like NC FIELD to meet the needs of the most vulnerable communities and ensure they have warmth and care.

Click here to learn more about how you can get involved in our Kits and Blankets program.

 

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Volunteers from Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbus, OH with CWS Kits they helped make

“Our Mission is to Be There When Folks Need It”

At a distribution of CWS School Kits in the Republic of Georgia, our partner, International Orthodox Christian Charities, visited a primary school where they saw first-hand the joy of the CWS Kits and Blankets program. As they distributed the kits, they saw the children excitedly admire their new bags and beautiful school supplies. All of a sudden, they heard a tiny voice asking, “Will I have to share this with my brother?” The voice belonged to a small first-grade girl who was adamant about making sure the backpack was for her. “She made a statement that she was not sharing the school kit with anyone because she loved it so much,” said Biljana Mihajlović, IOCC’s Manager of Europe Programs and Gifts-in-Kind / Program Compliance Officer.

Since 2005, CWS has been partnering with IOCC to bring CWS Kits to children like this little girl through their programs around the world. By including the kits as an “added value” to existing programs, IOCC is able to meet the needs of vulnerable populations while providing high-quality items that would otherwise be difficult for these communities to access. Rebecca Loumiotis, IOCC’s Communications Manager, explains, “We are always looking for ways to help. Our mission is to be there when folks need it.”

The Kits program is also a great way for IOCC’s volunteers here in the US to get involved with the global programs. “It’s relatively simple for everyone to get involved,” explains Biljana, who manages shipments to IOCC programs overseas. Rebecca, who has worked closely with volunteers, added, “I know that people really love this program. They understand that the things they are touching will be in the hands of someone that needs them.”

Currently, a shipment of CWS Kits and Blankets is ready to be sent to IOCC programs in Romania and Moldova to meet the needs of Ukrainian refugees in the area. In parallel, IOCC also focuses on helping residents in need by making sure they also receive access to the supplies. Through this approach, anyone who needs it can receive the gift of a CWS Kit or Blanket.

Whether it’s a young girl in rural Georgia or a family in Kentucky, CWS Kits and Blankets are spreading joy around the world. We are proud of and grateful for our partnerships with organizations like IOCC that allow this work to spread far and wide.

Click here to learn about how you can get involved in our CWS Kits and Blanket program.

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Beth with her daughter and granddaughter in Bosnia

Beth’s Impact from Danville to Abroad

If you take a trip to Burundi or Bosnia, there’s a chance you may spot a couple of CWS CROP Hunger Walk t-shirts floating around. This is thanks to Beth Bauman, one of our CROP Walk volunteers and world travelers who has brought these t-shirts to hand out to people in need while on her trips. Beth’s kindness and generosity are visible in these shirts and in the many years she has dedicated to CWS. 

Beth has served as CROP Walk Chair at Mt. Vernon UMC in Danville, Virginia for the past 13 years. Her first experience with CWS, however, dates all the way back to the 80’s when she participated in her first CROP Walk in Knoxville, Tennesse. “In my memory, the walk was 26 miles,” Beth shared with laughter. “Now I know that that’s hard to believe, but you would get pledges per mile walked and we walked all over Knoxville uphills and downhills. For months afterward, I could hardly walk up the steps to my office.” 

Beth’s commitment to CWS’ mission is largely inspired by her daughter and son-in-law who are both humanitarian workers. Most of Beth’s trips around the world have been to visit her daughter, and she is especially passionate about the work CWS Africa does since her son-in-law and granddaughter are Burundian. Beth also shared that her daughter, who works for UNICEF, has often partnered with CWS and added, “I’m really passionate about CWS and development work around the world.” 

On her most recent trip to visit her daughter in Bosnia, Beth reached out to CWS to see if there were any t-shirts she could bring. One of the refugee shelters where her daughter works was experiencing a lice breakout and desperately needed clean clothes. Through the support of CWS staff, Beth was able to bring 60 brand-new t-shirts to the shelter. She noted that most refugees there were on their way to other countries and said with a smile, “I’m just picturing our t-shirts just trickling throughout Europe.” 

In Danville, Beth is most excited by the way CROP Walks brings people from all walks of life together. She explained that diversity is very important to her and over the past years, her planning team has been intentional about welcoming their doors to churches and communities that they may otherwise never get the chance to meet. “That has been a real joy,” Beth said. 

Whether she’s in Danville, Virginia or somewhere across the world, Beth is spreading joy and making a real impact. CWS is thankful for volunteers like Beth who share our mission and help us spread our impact every day. 

To learn more about how you can get involved in CWS’ volunteer opportunities, click here. 

General Synod Participants Assemble Thousands of Hygiene Kits to Combat Period Poverty


Renee DeLuca | July 7, 2023

The goal of assembling and collecting 1,000 CWS Period Packs at General Synod was surpassed as young and old alike gathered to take part in the mission project at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. With the help of Youth@Synod, delegates, visitors and volunteers, the project turned out 3,157 period packs to be distributed with the help of Church World …