During the winter months, every Saturday morning families experiencing food insecurity receive not only food boxes through Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care’s (YLM) Food Pantry Drive-Thru but also blankets to take home with them—a small but vital comfort in their lives. These blankets offer more than physical warmth; they express the love and compassion of others for those who are in need.

In Cd. Juarez, where central heating is scarce and the electrical infrastructure does not support it, the cold weather is especially harsh. This reality is felt most acutely in impoverished areas, where families often struggle to stay warm during the winter months. Thanks to a partnership with the Paso Del Norte Foundation, YLM has been able to make a significant impact this winter.

In early January, 250 jackets were picked up by YLM’s partnering mission-churches in Mexico and distributed to children in need. These jackets have reached not only children in the mission churches but also those in colonias where poverty is widespread. For many of these children, receiving a new jacket is not just a matter of comfort, it’s a lifeline.

Quilts, lovingly crafted and donated year-round through Orphan Grain Train by individuals and LWML (Lutheran Women’s Missionary League) groups, add another layer of care to YLM’s outreach. These quilts, each one unique and made with love, have been distributed through YLM’s mission-churches and Frutos de Gracia, a Civic Association in Cd. Juarez working hand-in-hand with YLM.

Some quilts were even delivered to an adult care center in the colonia Puerto La Paz, offering comfort to the elderly residents. Jackets for children in the surrounding area were also distributed, ensuring they were not left out during this cold time.

The distribution of blankets, quilts, and jackets is more than a charitable act; it’s a testament to the power of partnership and the collective effort of individuals and organizations dedicated to serving others. Each item given—whether a warm quilt, a cozy blanket, or a snug jacket—carries with it a message of hope and solidarity. It’s a reminder that even in the face of harsh winters and challenging circumstances, a caring community can make all the difference.

Be a part of these life-changing ministries at Ysleta Lutheran Mission Human Care by donating towards Greatest Need or becoming a monthly donor ($10 a month makes a HUGE difference in the lives of many) by setting up your Amigos de Ysleta partnership!