Baltimore, September 1, 2006 — Lutheran World Relief (LWR) announced today that as of December 31, 2006, it will no longer collect clothing of any kind for distribution through its Material Resources Program.

For more than 60 years, LWR has served as the hands of Christ through its Material Resources Program — a ministry of sharing handmade quilts, kits, soap, and clothing. The collection of these material resources has long been a cherished ministry of many Lutheran congregations throughout the U.S. as a way of putting faith into action, and the program remains an important element of LWR's work.

As part of LWR's ongoing assessment of the positive impact it can offer in times of crisis or chronic poverty, it has identified a necessary change in its practice of the distribution of material resources. To maintain LWR's effectiveness and efficiency in its relief work, it will no longer collect clothing for distribution through its Material Resources Program. All other LWR Parish Projects — quilts, kits, and soap — will remain vital components of the program.

Many countries have altered their policies regarding used clothing imports; some are even prohibiting such imports. Clothing imports may disrupt local economies and, in some instances, threaten local textile and clothing manufacturing jobs. Other countries are charging increasingly high customs duty and taxes, making shipping costs prohibitively expensive. In many cases, purchasing clothing locally to support communities in crisis is a better approach. Items purchased locally are cost effective, suitable for local needs, and help to bolster local economies.

"This decision was made in dialogue with LWR's overseas partners who have been receiving the majority of the clothing shipments in past years," said LWR President Kathryn Wolford. "Partners have told LWR that they understand and support its decision, and are appreciative of its continued efforts to provide other material resources such as quilts and kits. LWR remains committed to its overseas partners, and will work closely with them to identify alternative sources for clothing, including through local procurement."

LWR will continue to ship any previously collected clothing that remains in its warehouse until those supplies have been exhausted. Those who have been collecting clothing to take to a local LWR ingathering this fall may still do so.

"Change is sometimes challenging but because our many donors of material resources here in the U.S. share our vision for an effective and efficient Material Resources Program, we are confident that they will continue to support our program generously," said Wolford. Many opportunities for giving remain unchanged, from the donation of quilts and kits to financial support of the Project Comfort Fund, LWR's designated fund for covering the costs of distributing the items to people in need throughout the world."

WHO IS LWR? Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, Lutheran World Relief (LWR) has been responding to emergencies and disasters since its founding in 1945. Working through partners and global relief and development networks, LWR works in 35 countries to provide not only relief but to combat the causes of poverty and restore the dignity it robs from people's lives. We advocate for Fair Trade that helps farmer and artisan families earn a better income. We teach people to better care for themselves, their communities, and their environment. We teach people how to be less vulnerable to natural disasters. We advocate with them for policy change that more fairly represents them. We counsel them after human and natural disasters, and help them recover with material aid and long-term programs. We do all of this exclusively with partners from the communities we serve.

Lutheran World Relief is a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS), individuals, and parish groups in international relief, development, advocacy, and social responsibility.

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