We had advanced funds in country and were able to immediately begin relief. Everyone needed help ~ infants, pregnant women, the elderly and injured. The Georgian government was not equipped to meet this influx of homeless citizens. There were no beds – let alone mattresses. There were no hygiene items ~ diapers, infant formula, etc. Tamuna worked with the Ministry of IDPs and isolated 840 individuals who the government was not aiding. 
In one month PRUMC raised $36,000 and Georgia-to-Georgia (Ga2Ge) raised another $10,000 which was wired to our account. We hired local businesses (thereby providing jobs) to make mattresses and comforters. One small business hired 8 people full-time to make all the items we needed. We delivered bedding, linens, pillows, blankets. We did not have to wait for a shipment ~ we immediately purchased items in-country. Our hygiene kits included such things as toothpaste, wet wipes, washing liquids, detergents, soaps, etc. The Tbilisi Youth house students volunteered to help deliver items in Tbilisi.
In Kutaisi, Vaso worked feverishly to provide basic needs for IDPs who were housed in our institutions. Another group was placed in a dilapidated building – they needed a refrigerator to prevent food from spoiling – they needed dishes, towels, linens, medicines and medical supplies ~ hygiene items. Everything. As Fall came, we purchased shoes, coats, warm blankets, comforters and electric heaters.
It was our desire that along with the tangible items we provided, that these victims of political unrest were given hope of a better life. As Tamuna wrote: “You will be in the hearts of these people forever, as well as in our hearts. You have helped rebuild their lives, given them a future and allowed them to be citizens of a tiny, but friendly country.”