Your generosity helped communities across the United States recover from hurricanes, wildfires and winter storms in 2025. From emergency supplies to long‑term support, you ensured families had the help they needed to regain safety, stability and hope. Across the United States, disasters continue to strike with little warning—destroying homes, disrupting daily life and leaving families unsure of how they’ll recover. But when crisis hits, your compassion ensures that neighbors across …
Blooming Futures in Gatesville: How Kids Kits are Changing Lives
March 13, 2026
Thanks to our generous supporters, CWS Kids Kits are helping more than 2,800 students in Gatesville, Texas access essential school supplies, easing the burden on families and ensuring every child is ready to learn. Equipping Students with Tools to Thrive In the small town of Gatesville, Texas, more than 2,800 students are receiving support through CWS Kids Kits—proving that when neighbors come …
Stories of Change
Above: CWS Blankets are delivered in South Carolina
Warmth in the Storm: How Community Support Is Helping South Carolina Recover
In the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, CWS is providing warmth, safety and stability to families across South Carolina. From distributing emergency blankets to offering temporary housing, we are meeting urgent needs while preparing to send additional blankets and kits to six more locations. Together with our supporters, we’re ensuring that neighbors impacted by the storm are met with compassion, comfort and hope.
Delivering Comfort and Dignity After Winter Storm Fern
In the wake of Winter Storm Fern, communities across South Carolina have been grappling with freezing temperatures, power outages and the emotional toll that comes with sudden displacement. But thanks to the generosity of our supporters, hope is arriving—one blanket, one kit, one safe place at a time.
Last week, CWS delivered emergency blankets to neighbors directly impacted by the storm. These CWS Blankets carry more than warmth. They offer dignity, comfort and a powerful reminder that no one faces hardship alone.
As recovery efforts continue, our team is also providing temporary housing for families who need a safe place to stay as they rebuild stability in the aftermath of the storm.
“When the storm struck, our Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery (EPPR) team mobilized immediately to support communities across the region,” said Zachary Wolgemuth, CWS Director of EPRR. “Through swift coordination, we were able to deliver critical supplies and provide nearly 100 nights of temporary housing for individuals who were displaced.”
Expanding Aid to Six More Communities in Need
And the support doesn’t end there. In the coming days, we will be sending an additional 1,920 Blankets, 600 Kids Kits and 2,000 Hygiene Kits to six more locations across South Carolina, expanding our reach to ensure that more families have the essentials they need.
“Because of the generosity of donors and congregations, CWS Blankets and CWS Kits were ready when winter storms hit—and continue to be shared in the days that follow. Your compassion makes it possible to respond quickly and meet ongoing needs, helping neighbors stay warm and cared for during some of the coldest days of the season,” shared Matthew Stevens, CWS Director of Congregational Campaigns.
Every blanket, every kit and every shelter placement reflects the compassion of a community that shows up when it matters most.
Together, we’re creating warmth, safety and hope—right when our neighbors need it most.
To contribute to our CWS Blankets program, click here. Consider making a contribution to our Emergency Response Fund to support neighbors near and far when disasters strike.
CWS Blankets in Action: Because of Your Love, People Found Warmth and Care
January 29, 2026
As a dangerous winter storm swept across the United States, CWS Blankets reached communities just in time—offering warmth, comfort and care to neighbors facing life-threatening cold. Thanks to the generosity of supporters, partners were ready to respond before, during and after the storm. Blankets That Arrive When They’re Needed Most When a powerful winter storm swept across large portions of …
Ending 2025 with Hope: Your Impact Through CWS Kits and Blankets
December 17, 2025
In a year marked by global hunger and devastating disasters, CWS supporters brought light and hope to communities in need. Together, you provided more than 141,000 essential supplies, helping families rebuild, stay safe and know they are not alone. This year, our neighbors have faced extraordinary challenges. Across the globe, 318 million people are entering the new year at crisis levels of hunger In the Caribbean, communities …
Stories of Change
Students at the Jounce Afterschool Program in Haywood County packed Disaster Preparedness Kits—thanks to your support, they’re helping neighbors stay safe when storms come.
Disaster Preparedness Kits: How Your Generosity Helps Neighbors Prepare for Tomorrow
One year after Hurricane Helene devastated Haywood County, North Carolina, CWS donors and local students have come together to prepare 250 Disaster Preparedness Kits—offering comfort, resources and hope to families facing future storms.
Community Resilience in Action
On September 26, 2024, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina and left families in Haywood County facing hardship. Thanks to generous CWS donors, that same community is now showing what resilience looks like today.
Because of your faithful support of CWS Blankets and CWS Kits, students at the Jounce Afterschool Program in Haywood County recently rolled up their sleeves to prepare 250 Disaster Preparedness Kits for their neighbors. These kits are more than bags filled with supplies—they are a reminder that even in the face of future storms, families are not alone.
The highlight of each kit is a soft CWS Fleece Blanket—a source of warmth and comfort you’ve made possible. Each kit also includes essentials like a CWS Hygiene Kit, a first aid kit, a whistle, a waterproof document folder and a hand-crank weather radio, along with resources in multiple languages so every family can better understand how to prepare and keep their loved ones safe.
Faith in Action
Your generosity is helping families be prepared in the critical first days after disaster strikes. “Our CWS Blanket Leaders and generous donors embody what it means to love our neighbors. Every blanket, every kit and every act of kindness helps communities not just survive but thrive. I’m deeply grateful for the way you make this ministry possible,” shared Matthew Stevens, CWS’s Director of Congregational Campaigns.
In addition to Disaster Preparedness Kits, CWS also distributed Emergency Cleanup Buckets to impacted individuals. “I cried with relief when the [flood] buckets came rolling off the truck. I remember slapping my hand on one and thinking, ‘When this settles, I’m going to send them the biggest thank you,’” shared Kasey Valentine, Community Health Worker Regional Lead for the North Carolina Community Health Worker Association.
We are grateful to our generous supporters for putting their faith into action and ensuring that families have the warmth of blankets, the care of hygiene kits and the hope of a new day.
Your gift to CWS’s Hurricanes Helene and Milton Relief Fund helps impacted families access urgently needed Disaster Preparedness Kits and other life-saving support. To support ongoing needs through our CWS Kits Program—including Emergency Cleanup Buckets, Hygiene Kits and Blankets—please make a gift here.
CWS Kits and Blankets: Sharing God’s Love Near and Far
June 10, 2025
Then Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31 Your Church Is Helping CWS Bring Comfort, Dignity and Hope to Our Neighbors So far this year, thanks to your compassion, CWS Blankets and Kits have been shared from Grand Rapids to Chicago, Dallas to Cleveland, Annapolis to Poughkeepsie—reaching neighbors in …
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 …
Stories of Change
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.
Stories of Change
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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