A humanitarian aid shipment from the United States arrived on Thursday at Santa Clara's "Abel Santamaría" International Airport. The delivery includes 700 food kits and an additional 700 hygiene kits intended for families in need in Quemado de Güines and Rancho Veloz.
The arrival of the shipment was announced by Cáritas Cuba and was received at the airport by Bishop Arturo González Amador of Santa Clara and Vanesa Hernández Toledo, the director of Cáritas Santa Clara.
According to the Catholic organization, the assistance will be distributed in the parish territories of Quemado de Güines and Rancho Veloz. The Diocese of Santa Clara, which covers Villa Clara and much of Sancti Spíritus, will oversee the distribution alongside Cáritas Diocesana, with support from Cáritas Cuba.
Volunteers from both parishes, including clergy and church representatives, are already coordinating the distribution among the most disadvantaged families.
The shipment's arrival comes just a day after the Diocese of Santa Clara announced it would begin receiving U.S. aid, explaining that beneficiaries would be selected based on their level of vulnerability.
Bishop González Amador acknowledged that the available quantity would not reach all those in need. "We will only be able to assist the most urgent cases and the most distressing situations," he noted, warning that the aid would only provide temporary relief for the selected families.
"This is humanitarian aid, not a permanent social assistance project," he emphasized.
The bishop also expressed hope that the distribution would proceed smoothly: "We hope this aid will benefit our people, be carried out with harmony and calm, and bring joy to the families who receive it."
This shipment is part of a previously announced $100 million package from the United States for Cuba. Of this amount, the Catholic Church, through Cáritas, will coordinate the distribution of aid valued at $60 million, including the kits and logistical costs, while the remaining $40 million will be channeled through other organizations.
As clarified earlier, this is not a $60 million cash donation to Cáritas but the value of the aid and logistics required to deliver it to the beneficiary families.
The assistance targets individuals in extreme vulnerability, regardless of their religious beliefs. González Amador explained that it could benefit Catholic families, those of other religions, or those with no religious affiliation.
Understanding U.S. Aid to Cuba
What kind of aid did the U.S. send to Santa Clara?
The U.S. sent 700 food kits and 700 hygiene kits to Santa Clara, intended for families in Quemado de Güines and Rancho Veloz.
Who is responsible for distributing the aid in Cuba?
The Diocese of Santa Clara and Cáritas Diocesana, with support from Cáritas Cuba, are coordinating the distribution of the aid.
Will all vulnerable families in Cuba receive aid?
No, only the most urgent and distressing cases will be assisted due to the limited quantity available.
Is the aid limited to Catholic families?
No, the aid is intended for individuals in extreme vulnerability, regardless of their religious beliefs.