Warmth in the Storm: How Community Support Is Helping South Carolina Recover

CWSKit Stories

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, … Read More

Period Packs: Sharing Care When It’s Needed Most

CWSKit Stories

Many families struggle to access essential supplies during times of crisis. Thanks to our generous donors, CWS Period Packs offer comfort, dignity and practical support when people need it most. Essential Care Through CWS Period Packs Across the United States, women and families facing difficult times often lack access to basic menstrual supplies. In moments of crisis—whether after an emergency … Read More

A Legacy of Generosity: Lessons from my Grandmother

CWSKit Stories

Live without, so others can have. That was the mantra of my grandmother. She wore secondhand clothes, rarely bought anything for herself, and lived a remarkably simple life so she could make the lives of others easier. Back when people immigrating to the United States needed a sponsor, she and my grandfather sponsored eight families – most of them from … Read More

Disaster Preparedness Kits: How Your Generosity Helps Neighbors Prepare for Tomorrow

CWSKit Stories

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, … Read More

Living a Generous Life

CWSKit Stories

Generosity is a way of life for Rev. Joanna Sameulson and she’s planting the seeds of generosity, justice and compassion early in her twin sons Henry and Malcom. “It is one thing to talk about caring for others, or to teach or preach about it, but it’s quite another thing to participate.” she said. Through their local church, Joanna, Henry … Read More

“Our Mission is to Be There When Folks Need It”

CWSKit Stories

At a distribution of CWS School Kits in the Republic of Georgia, our partner, International Orthodox Christian Charities, visited a primary school where they saw first-hand the joy of the CWS Kits and Blankets program. As they distributed the kits, they saw the children excitedly admire their new bags and beautiful school supplies. All of a sudden, they heard a … Read More

Finding Comfort in the Wake of Hurricane

CWSKit Stories

When Hurricane Idalia threatened communities in Florida this past summer, the vast ocean surrounding Plymouth Harbor Retirement Home transformed from a source of peace to one of danger. In less than four hours, staff had to evacuate more than 250 seniors, who average about 85 years of age, to safety. Many residents left with very limited belongings and strong winds … Read More

Bridging the Gap in Disaster Response

CWSKit Stories

“Our lives have changed.” “This was traumatic.” “It’s going to take so many years to recover from this.” These are just some of the things that Liliana Zamora, program manager at Community Bridges, heard from residents of Pajaro, California following the intense flooding that occurred in March. Pajaro is a community in Monterey River County and is separated from the … Read More

Replacing Fear with Hope in Merced County

CWSKit Stories

Imagine you’re asleep when you hear waves crashing onto a surface. For a second you wonder, “Am I dreaming?” until you feel the water creep onto your bed. You jump to your feet, making a splash, and your instincts kick in. Your home is no longer safe, you need to get out. This is what many families and individuals in … Read More