Paraguay: Christian volunteers launch "Abrigando" campaign to aid vulnerable during cold season

As the cold season descends upon Paraguay with temperatures dropping below 5 degrees Celsius in some regions, a heartwarming initiative by Christian volunteers aims to provide much-needed warmth to the most vulnerable.

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The cold season has come with everything in the national territory with temperatures below 5 in some regions and from different organizations they are already mobilizing to collect coats and blankets to be destined for the most vulnerable sectors that are more exposed due to the low temperatures.

The "Abrigando" campaign, organized by the Association of Evangelical Churches of Paraguay (Asiep) and the Association of Evangelical Pastors of Paraguay (Apep), is a traditional annual drive collecting coats and blankets for those most exposed to the harsh winter.

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Through this initiative, they seek to reach sectors such as juvenile and adult penitentiary centers, indigenous communities, shelters, addiction rehabilitation centers, and people on the street.

This initiative demonstrates the powerful social role that churches play in Paraguay, reaching out to forgotten sectors of society. The volunteers are not only collecting donations but also planning outreach brigades to deliver aid directly to penitentiary centers, indigenous communities, shelters, addiction rehabilitation centers, and individuals experiencing homelessness. This hands-on approach ensures that the donations make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.

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Through the campaign, organizers invite the community to be part of it by donating coats that can be of great use to those who need them.

What makes this campaign particularly resonant in Paraguay is the deep-seated sense of community and solidarity, especially during the challenging winter months. While international news might focus on broader economic or political issues, stories like "Abrigando" highlight the everyday acts of compassion that define the Paraguayan spirit. The emphasis on ensuring donated items are clean and in good condition reflects a profound respect for the recipients, a value deeply ingrained in the local culture.

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Churches have been, par excellence, an important social arm to reach the most vulnerable and often forgotten sectors.