(Excerpt)
Vulnerable Families in Gaza Receive Assistance: USAID's Civic Engagement Project (CEP), implemented by Associates in Rural Development (ARD), working with Mercy Corps (MCI), distributed 680 livelihood packages consisting of kitchen tools, cleaning supplies, food items and children toys to vulnerable families in Gaza. The assistance targeted families who are suffering from the consequences of the Cast Lead operation, especially those living in the eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City. The packages help families who lost their homes and belongings during the operation and are living in temporary housing. CEP, working with Save the Children, also continued the distribution of newborn, female and first aid kits to needy families. This is part of a humanitarian assistance project that includes distributing children kits, school uniforms, female hygiene kits and mother/child stress relief kits. The total beneficiaries will exceed 31,290 vulnerable citizens of Gaza.