The American Joint Distribution Committee has had to mobilize extra assistance in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union in the wake of extreme winter weather.

An emergency winter response system was activated to provide additional care to tens of thousands of Jewish elderly, and young families.

In addition to heating fuel, blankets, warm clothes, jackets and boots, the organization has been called on to provide additional electric heaters, as well as food to the housebound.

Some of the hardest hit areas include the Balkans and Ukraine.

“We’ve been able to mobilize quickly and respond to this latest deep freeze because emergency protocols are inherent to our historic winter relief program. For these Jews, many of whom have no one else to turn to, we are there to ensure an extra lifeline and much-needed sense of community at this time,” said JDC CEO Steven Schwager.