Silver Spring, Maryland -- Responding to current needs of impoverished families in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) sent three 40-foot containers of clothing to assist 22,649 families in the republic.

ADRA International shipped the clothing at the request of local and regional Uzbekistani government offices and humanitarian organizations, including hospitals, orphanages, nursing and veterans' homes, and churches.

The clothing meets the urgent needs of families struggling with Uzbekistan's economy. "Many families have barely enough money to buy food staples and cannot even consider buying clothes and shoes, even though they are urgently needed for school or work, job interviews, or even for daily wear," said Natalia Ivaschenko, country director for ADRA Uzbekistan.

The distribution took place in the provinces of Andijan, Angren, Gulistan, Djizak, Namangan, Samarkand, Termez, and the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan. Depending on individual needs, each beneficiary received between three and five pieces of clothing and/or a pair of shoes.

"To verify that clothing and shoes were distributed properly . .
. follow-up visits were made to randomly selected organizations," continued Ivaschenko. "Considering that
2006 was designated the Year of Charity and Medical Doctors in Uzbekistan, ADRA's work was implemented right on time. It was a very successful intervention."

The project was funded primarily by ADRA International in partnership with ADRA offices in Uzbekistan and Moscow, Russia.

The ADRA office in Uzbekistan first received accreditation with that country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2002, and was registered with the Ministry of Justice two years later. ADRA Uzbekistan has distributed several million dollars worth of clothing, shoes, furniture, educational materials, medicines, and medical equipment and supplies.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious affiliation, age, or ethnicity.

Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.