The Adventist Development and Relief Agency office in Uzbekistan recently began a clothing distribution project that will assist nearly 56,000 people in four different provinces.

“Because winter weather is harsh in mountainous central Asia, we sent warm clothing for people in remote areas of Uzbekistan who have virtually nothing,” says Frank Teeuwen, bureau chief for disaster preparedness and response at ADRA International.

On June 20 and 27, ADRA Uzbekistan delivered bales of clean, used winter clothing to 28 organizations serving people in need in the province of Tashkent, located in the eastern part of the country. During July and August, ADRA Uzbekistan will continue the distribution in the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, located on the western border of Uzbekistan and the southern edge of the Aral Sea; the province of Sukan Darya, located in the southern part of Uzbekistan; and the Ferghana Valley, located on the southeastern border of Uzbekistan.

ADRA Uzbekistan is also providing humanitarian assistance through public institutions throughout the country. These entities include orphanages, homes for the elderly and veterans, hospitals, local and regional government offices, and local non-governmental organizations that meet needs for those such as the physically challenged. The United States government and ADRA International funded this project.