OGT Donates Relief Items to the Republic of Georgia

Volunteers for the Orphan Grain Train’s New England Branch recently loaded a 40-foot container filled with over 14,500 pounds of donated clothing, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid destined for the Republic of Georgia, according to branch manager Steven Ayers.

Inside the 14,500-Pound Humanitarian Shipment to Georgia

The container was packed at a warehouse located at 33 S. Main St. in Terryville, a property owned by Bill Allread, who made the space available for the volunteer effort. Once loaded, the container was transported to a port to be placed on a ship for overseas delivery.

According to Ayers, the supplies are headed to a mission called The International Charity Fund. The organization works directly with people with disabilities, local families, and refugees from both Georgia and Ukraine. The entire shipment weighed more than 14,500 pounds and carried an estimated value exceeding $160,000.

What Supplies Were Included in the Donation?

Volunteers processed and packed nearly 1,300 distinct boxes and items to meet various community needs abroad. The inventory featured a wide range of essentials, including men’s, women’s, children’s, and infant clothing.

The manifest also listed blankets, quilts, linens, shoes, coats, diapers, hygiene kits, and school kits. In addition to textiles, the shipment contained crucial medical durability items, such as walkers, crutches, canes, toilet risers, and shower chairs, providing direct support to individuals with mobility challenges.

Global Reach and Local Impact of Orphan Grain Train

While this specific container targeted the Republic of Georgia, Orphan Grain Train’s New England Branch maintains a broad distribution network. Ayers noted that past shipments have reached missions in Liberia, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Lithuania, Latvia, Nepal, the Philippines, Trinidad, Panama, Ghana, Venezuela, and Peru.

Domestically, the branch has extended aid to Appalachia alongside providing hurricane relief for Puerto Rico, Florida, and North Carolina. Locally within New England, the organization distributed hundreds of medical items this year to individuals in need, working alongside area visiting nurse and hospice care organizations, as well as contributing to a shipment for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Operating as an outreach ministry of the Lutheran Church, the 501(c)(3) charity is supported locally by Holy Trinity Lutheran in Terryville and Immanuel Lutheran in Bristol. Ayers emphasized that the volunteer work remains open to anyone who wants to help others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Orphan Grain Train New England Branch warehouse located?

The New England branch operates out of a warehouse located at 33 S. Main St. in Terryville, Connecticut, on property made available by Bill Allread.

Who receives the items sent in these international containers?

According to Steven Ayers, shipments are distributed to various overseas missions, including The International Charity Fund in Georgia, which supports people with disabilities, families, and refugees from Georgia and Ukraine.

How can local volunteers participate in the charity work?

The organization’s charity work is open to all individuals who want to help others. The branch is supported locally by Holy Trinity Lutheran in Terryville and Immanuel Lutheran in Bristol.