Provide shoes and winter clothing as a Christmas gift for the needy in Syria
Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Sister Annie Demerjian tells us: "This Christmas gift will bring a smile to many faces and bring a little joy to their hearts."

The northern city of Aleppo has been one of the hardest hit by the civil war in Syria. In the past, it was one of the major economic centers of the country, but now local  industry has been destroyed and entire districts of the city have been reduced to rubble. The water supply has collapsed, and there the basic necessities of life are lacking. People often have to cross through dangerous areas, under fire from snipers or artillery bombardment, simply in order to try and purchase a few vegetables to eat.

With the help of ACN, the Sisters of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary are doing their best to care for the suffering population and to ease the worst of the need. Sometimes the children in particular show them the most touching tokens of gratitude. Little Céline brought the Sisters a ‘thank you’ card, along with a bar of chocolate that she had been given in her catechism class. As you can imagine, a bar of chocolate is a precious rarity in Aleppo, and yet this little girl gave it to the Sisters because she was so happy that for the first time since the beginning of the war, she had been given some new clothing.

Now winter is knocking at the door, and the Sisters want to help 3,500 of these children and 4,300 other needy people by providing shoes and warm clothing. Winters in Syria can be bitterly cold, and winter clothing is more expensive than summer clothing and in desperately short supply. By helping in this way, the Sisters are not only helping those in immediate need but also – by buying the shoes and clothing locally – helping to support the local shops and industries that produce and sell the clothing. In this city, where few people still have work, this is an important source of income for many struggling families.

Sister Annie Demerjian tells us: "This Christmas gift will bring a smile to many faces and bring a little joy to their hearts." ACN is helping to cover the cost, with $74,800.

Will you join in giving to provide shoes and winter clothing as a Christmas gift for the needy in Syria? We are sure the Sisters will remember you in their grateful prayers.

Project Code: 330-09-59

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