Global humanitarian efforts led by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in recent months have delivered critical equipment, food packages, and facility renovations for children and adults with disabilities across El Salvador, Argentina, Indonesia, and Brazil, according to official Church news releases.
Wheelchair and Mobility Device Distribution in San Salvador
On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, the Church partnered with the Teletón Pro-Rehabilitation Association in San Salvador, El Salvador, to distribute 228 wheelchairs and 340 mobility devices. The handover provided 26 standard adult wheelchairs, 34 active pediatric wheelchairs, 38 active adult wheelchairs, 110 pediatric support wheelchairs, and 20 all-terrain wheelchairs, alongside 340 support items like walkers and canes. President Germán Antonio Alvarado Hernández of the San Salvador El Salvador Los Heroes stake explained that the distribution aligns with the Church’s mission “to help all people just as Christ would.” Mónica Samayoa, executive director of the Teletón Pro-Rehabilitation Association, noted in a press release from the Church’s Spanish-language Newsroom website that the contribution enables her organization to continue supporting individuals with disabilities.
Did You Know? The recent donation in San Salvador included 20 all-terrain wheelchairs alongside standard models, specifically designed to navigate challenging landscapes and expand mobility for recipients in various environments.
Cooperative Alliance and Orthopedic Support in Argentina and Brazil
In Argentina, the Church delivered 1,500 wheelchairs and orthopedic devices in June to CILSA, a nonprofit group based in Santa Fe. Dozens of volunteers helped unload the equipment from five shipping containers, including Latter-day Saints, the Santa Fe branch of the Argentine Red Cross, cadets from the 121st Amphibious Engineer Battalion of Santo Tomé, and CILSA personnel. According to a press release from the Church’s Spanish-language Newsroom website, this effort builds on a cooperative alliance maintained for over 20 years. Meanwhile, in Porto Alegre, Brazil, the Church provided modern technology to the Association for Assistance to Children with Disabilities Orthopedic Workshop on Monday, July 20, 2026. The new equipment—including a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, a machining center, and high-performance computers—allows the workshop to produce custom prosthetics and customized devices capable of serving approximately 3,600 people per year. Cleo Danilo Jacques, director of units at the association, stated that the combination of technology and humanized care expands the facility’s ability to offer individualized solutions for patient autonomy.
Educational Support and Facility Renovations in Indonesia
Members in Indonesia directed their outreach toward educational environments for students with special needs. On Thursday, June 25, 2026, volunteers distributed 500 food packages and hygiene kits to students across 65 special-needs schools in Surabaya and Sidoarjo. Mickey Lui, director of temporal affairs for the Church’s Asia Area, stated that the activity addresses visible community needs by helping students experience the care of the Church. Additionally, members renovated facilities at the Surabaya Foundation for the Development of Disabled Children, updating bathrooms, replacing damaged doors and windows, renovating the playground, and adding therapy equipment. Elder David L. Buckner, a General Authority Seventy and member of the Asia Area presidency, cut the ribbon at the project’s grand opening on Saturday, July 4, 2026, emphasizing that the endeavors provide tangible benefits to those served.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific types of wheelchairs were donated in El Salvador?
The July 14 donation in San Salvador included 26 standard adult wheelchairs, 34 active pediatric wheelchairs, 38 active adult wheelchairs, 110 pediatric support wheelchairs, and 20 all-terrain wheelchairs.
How long has the Church maintained its alliance with CILSA in Argentina?
According to a Church press release, the cooperative alliance between the Church and CILSA has been maintained for more than 20 years.
What equipment was provided to the orthopedic workshop in Porto Alegre, Brazil?
The workshop received a 3D scanner, a 3D printer, a machining center, and high-performance computers to produce custom prosthetics and mobility devices.
How do these ongoing international partnerships change long-term outcomes for individuals with reduced mobility in these regions?
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