The Juan Gualberto Gómez International Airport in Varadero received its first shipment of humanitarian aid from the United States destined for Matanzas this Wednesday, benefiting over 18,000 vulnerable families with food and hygiene products.
According to information from Cáritas Cuba, the shipment was received by Monsignor Juan Gabriel Díaz Ruiz, bishop of Matanzas, and María de los Ángeles Castelo Elías Calles, director of Cáritas in that province.
The first distribution will benefit 700 out of the 2,100 families selected in the Vicaría Nuestra Señora de la Caridad, which includes locations such as Unión de Reyes, Bolondrón, Güira, Alacranes, Bermejas, and Cabezas, among others.
In total, 18,200 households in the diocese will receive packages consisting of essential food items and personal hygiene necessities.
The beneficiaries were previously identified by volunteers from Cáritas, prioritizing seniors over 60 years old, individuals with disabilities, those with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five years old, especially those facing difficulties in accessing food and water.
The distribution is carried out without the intervention of the Cuban government. Catholic Relief Services (CRS) purchases the products in the United States and sends them to Cuba, where Cáritas is responsible for delivering them directly to families through its parish network and home visits.
The shipment is part of the $100 million humanitarian aid program announced by Washington, which has already reached several Cuban provinces.
At the beginning of October, Cáritas distributed aid to 300 families in Lugareño and Nuevistas, in Camagüey, while Ciego de Ávila received another 700 food packages and 700 hygiene kits. Supplies also arrived in Pinar del Río, with delivery starting on October 10.
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