TBM supplies blankets to displaced Syrians

Lou Ann Jackson was among the 33 TBM volunteers who folded and packed blankets to shipment to Syria. (TBM Photo)

DALLAS—People in Syria displaced by recent earthquakes need blankets. Now, 10,000 blankets are on the way, thanks to efforts by Texas Baptist Men, in cooperation with key partners in the United States and Syria.

“The suffering is great in Syria, and this week God opened a door for TBM to help respond to that need,” TBM Executive Director Mickey Lenamon said. “We are not at liberty to go into details, but TBM quickly secured 10,000 blankets and started them on the trek to Syria.

Volunteer Bill Davis helps fold and package blankets for shipment to Syria. (TBM Photo)

“We are working with trusted international partners and are confident that this shipment will get directly to people in need. We do need help in defraying the expenses involved, but friends of TBM have always been faithful in stepping up to meet needs.”

It costs about $10 to purchase and ship each blanket, and TBM has made it possible for people to support the project at tbmtx.org/syria.

The first shipment of 10,000 blankets is being called Phase 1. TBM now is preparing for a second shipment—Phase 2. Buckner International and Baylor Scott & White Health’s Faith In Action initiative gave the second phase a boost by providing 3,800 blankets.

Many of those donated blankets needed to be folded and packed for shipment. So, 33 TBM volunteers responded this week to do the folding and packing.

“We had a great turnout of volunteers on a very short notice,” said David Wells, state director of TBM disaster relief. “They jumped right in Tuesday afternoon and got the job done in much less time than anticipated.”

Wells noted TBM is not accepting donations of blankets from individuals.

“The need is urgent, and the shipping opportunity is available right now,” Wells said. “This is why we are buying most of the blankets and handling the two large institutional donations.”