Lia resides in the United States, yet her heart remains divided between two nations. Like countless other Cubans living abroad, she is intimately familiar with the constant reminders of her homeland—whether it's shopping, sorting through clothes she no longer wears, or spotting sales on school supplies. This prompted the idea of sending a care package to her sister in Cuba, with the upcoming school year in mind.
As she carefully gathered pencils, backpacks, and a few stickers to brighten her sister's notebooks, she eagerly asked if her sister wanted some decals for decoration. The response caught her off guard: "What notebook? They don't even give us notebooks anymore." Spoken with resignation from Cuba, that statement struck a deep chord within Lia. "It broke my heart," Lia confessed in a video she shared on TikTok via her account @liatornes.
In the video, Lia displays the thoughtful assembly of her package: twenty pounds of carefully selected items, a little bit of everything. "I save everything I don't use that's still in good condition," she explains. Although she wishes she could send a box every month, she acknowledges it's not always feasible. "But when it arrives, it brightens my family's day," she adds.
Her story has resonated with many, sparking a wave of comments from other Cubans who share similar experiences: the challenge of deciding what to send, the constant urge to help, and the frustration over the ever-growing shortages in Cuba. "I'm the same way; I keep everything I don't use in a little corner," one follower replied. Another shared, "The same happened to me; my sister told me they don't even have notebooks."
Rather than a complaint, Lia's video exudes warmth and inspiration. Beyond the scarcity, it highlights the unwavering bond between siblings and how love can be packed into a box and sent thousands of miles, taking the form of crayons, notebooks, and even a simple sticker.
While Lia may not be able to send everything, each package contains a piece of her heart. For many Cubans on the island, that means the world.
Cuban Expatriates and Their Struggles
Why do Cubans abroad send packages to their families?
Cubans living outside the country often send packages to help their families cope with the shortages of essential supplies and school materials in Cuba.
What challenges do Cubans face when sending aid back home?
Sending aid back home is often challenging due to financial constraints, logistical difficulties, and the ongoing shortages that make it hard to decide what to include in the packages.
How do these care packages impact families in Cuba?
These packages can significantly boost morale and provide necessary supplies that are otherwise difficult to obtain, offering a sense of connection and support from afar.