Charity donates $590,000 to Syrian refugees

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ LDS Charities has donated more than $590,000 in humanitarian aid to Syrian refugees. In a statement sent to The Jordan Times earlier this week, the charity said additional aid is planned in the near future. In coordination with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), the charity has donated approximately $590,000 in supplies, with another $588,000 to be spent in the coming months. In May, LDS Charities launched the campaign by supplying hygiene kits to 2,500 Syrian refugees. The NGO said that most of the relief items are purchased locally in Jordan. The statement quoted JHCO Secretary General Ayman Mifleh as saying that the LDS Charities “has been a valued and trusted partner in assisting us to meet the needs of those coming in to Jordan seeking refuge”. The statement said the aid focuses largely on the needs of women and children, including infant formula, diapers, hygiene supplies and school kits. “With the approach of the winter months, thousands of blankets, coats, and boots have been collected by shipment” for the Zaatari Refugee Camp. The NGO will also coordinate with local relief organisations to help needy Jordanian families, “particularly in those regions that have accommodated a high Syrian influx”. “We’re working with local and international relief organisations to evaluate needs and determine where our resources can do the greatest good,” LDS Charities Director Sharon Eubank said. The NGO’s efforts have been mainly organised by volunteers Brent and Ruth Ann Youngberg and Jim and Karyn Anderson, according to the statement. Jordan has granted refuge to over 210,000 Syrians since the onset of the conflict in March 2011.