The Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) donated 100 percent of funds from the sale of agency merchandise, such as T-shirts and hats, to three local poverty-fighting organizations in the city of St. Louis. ADRA hosted an exhibition, “Protesting Poverty,” at the 58th World Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The three organizations, Sunshine Ministries, Operation Food Search, and Lydia’s House, each received $10,000, which will be used by them to meet the needs of people living below the poverty threshold.

Sunshine Ministries provides outreach programs based on mutual respect, personal responsibility, and trusting relationships. Programs include a men’s homeless shelter, C.A.R.E. program providing basic essentials such as food, clothing, household items, and career counseling, and an after-school program for youth.

Operation Food Search will use the funds to help supplement its food distribution program for people who would otherwise go undernourished. According to Operation Food Search, almost 12 percent of the population in the St. Louis region is food insecure, meaning they do not have full access to a sufficient amount of food to ensure a full and healthy life at all times.

Lydia’s House provides transitional housing for women and children suffering from domestic violence, as well as provides them with an opportunity to create a new life free from the fear of abuse.

“As the world focuses on the G-8 summit, ADRA is doing its part in St. Louis to raise awareness on the issue of global poverty, including poverty here at home,” said Charles Sandefur, ADRA International president. Along with donating funds to these organizations in St. Louis, ADRA asked visitors to the exhibit to allocate $400,000 to specific projects in developing countries.”

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity. Additional information about ADRA can be found at www.adra.org.

ADRA news release