LWR Joins Campaign for Iraq's Neediest Children

Baltimore, February 14, 2003 -- Lutheran World Relief is joining "All Our Children," a people-to-people campaign by a small group of faith-based agencies in the U.S. The goal is to raise one million dollars for life-saving medicines and medical supplies needed now in Iraq. LWR is inviting contributions toward the campaign.

Gifts from people in America will be used to help children in Iraq survive infectious diseases and widespread deprivation. The campaign will fund vaccines, antibiotics, surgical sets and nutritional supplements for vulnerable infants and nursing mothers. Non-governmental organizations will deliver the supplies to hospitals and health clinics in areas of acute need.

Former President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter endorse the new initiative. In a February 12 statement, the Carters said the campaign aims to "save thousands of Iraqi children who are victims of an international situation for which they have no responsibility" (see next news item).

A first, $100,000 shipment of emergency medical aid is being prepared in Jordan, using early donations to "All Our Children." The initiative includes Mennonite Central Committee, Sojourners magazine, Church World Service, Jubilee Partners, National Council of Churches, Stop Hunger Now and LWR.

Contributions may be made by credit card via 800-number, on-line or by check. You may designate your gift "LWR-All Our Children." Please consider making an unrestricted donation, which will enable LWR to use your gift where it is needed most.
Lutheran World Relief
P.O. Box 17061
Baltimore, MD 21298-9832
1-800-LWR-LWR-2
www.lwr.org

LCMS World Relief
P.O. Box 66861
St. Louis, MO 63166-9810
1-888-930-4438

ELCA World Hunger Appeal
P.O. Box 71764
Chicago, IL 60694-1764
1-800-638-3522