At Dompet Dhuafa USA, we are incredibly proud to share the success of our Gift Baskets program this Thanksgiving 2024. Thanks to your generous support, we were able to extend a hand of compassion to those in need in Indonesia, particularly in the Riau Islands and East Kalimantan. With your help, we provided over 100 individuals—elderly, widows, orphans, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups—with essential food packages, ensuring they could experience a more joyful and nourishing holiday season. Your kindness truly made a difference in their lives, and we are deeply grateful for your continued support. Together, we’ve shown that when we come together as a community, we can bring hope and create lasting change. Thank you for making this possible.
Gift Baskets Program: Spreading Joy on Thanksgiving
The Gift Baskets program is one of Dompet Dhuafa USA’s initiatives to commemorate Thanksgiving 2024. Thanksgiving, known as a time of gratitude and giving, served as a perfect moment to extend assistance to those in need. Through this program, Dompet Dhuafa USA successfully raised funds from generous donors who care about the social conditions in Indonesia.
The distributed food packages contained essential items such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, eggs, wheat flour, tea, soy sauce, and instant noodles. These provisions aimed to ease the economic burden of the beneficiaries and provide renewed hope to those facing hardships. More than just material aid, this initiative symbolized the international community’s care for Indonesia’s social conditions.
Distribution in Riau Islands and East Kalimantan
The Gift Baskets program was carried out in two primary locations: the Riau Islands and East Kalimantan. In the Riau Islands, the distribution took place on January 8, 2025, at PJB Housing Phase 1, Sagulung District, and on January 17, 2025, on Setokok Island, Bulang District, Batam City. Meanwhile, in East Kalimantan, aid was delivered from January 16–20, 2025, across multiple areas, including Central Balikpapan, South Balikpapan, North Balikpapan, and West Samboja.
The beneficiaries of this program were low-income residents, widows, elderly individuals, and other vulnerable groups, carefully selected through a strict verification process. Despite some challenges, such as inaccurate beneficiary data and unpredictable weather conditions, the Dompet Dhuafa team successfully navigated these hurdles with effective solutions.
They conducted a thorough re-verification process in collaboration with local community leaders to ensure aid reached the right recipients. To address weather-related obstacles, the team closely monitored forecasts and adjusted delivery schedules accordingly, while equipping volunteers with additional protective gear to safeguard distribution efforts.
Challenges and Solutions
During the program’s execution, the Dompet Dhuafa team encountered challenges such as inaccurate beneficiary data and logistical difficulties in reaching distribution sites. However, through diligent efforts and strong coordination, these challenges were effectively addressed. One of the solutions implemented was re-verifying beneficiary data and involving local community leaders to ensure aid reached the right recipients.
Additionally, the team monitored weather conditions and prepared extra equipment to ensure smooth distribution despite potential disruptions. This effort underscores Dompet Dhuafa USA’s commitment to delivering assistance to those who genuinely need it.
Beneficiary Testimonials
This initiative brought joy to the beneficiaries. Mbah Bibit, a domestic worker, expressed her gratitude: “Alhamdulillah, I am so happy to receive this food package at a time when we truly need it. May Dompet Dhuafa continue to thrive and succeed.”
Similarly, Bu Ros, a daily laborer, shared her appreciation: “I am so grateful for this assistance; it is incredibly helpful in our time of need. May Dompet Dhuafa achieve greater success.”
Nenek Munah, an elderly woman suffering from a fractured leg, also expressed her thanks: “Thank you for helping me, as I can do nothing but lie in bed.”
Gratitude to Donors
Dompet Dhuafa USA extends its deepest gratitude to all donors who contributed to the Gift Baskets program. Without your support and generosity, this initiative would not have been possible. Every contribution made a tangible difference in the lives of the beneficiaries. Without your support and generosity, this initiative would not have been possible. Every contribution made a tangible difference in the lives of the beneficiaries.
We also appreciate our local partners, Dompet Dhuafa Riau Islands and Dompet Dhuafa East Kalimantan, who worked tirelessly to ensure smooth and effective aid distribution. The strong collaboration between Dompet Dhuafa USA and local partners was key to the program’s success.
Next Steps
Dompet Dhuafa USA is committed to continuing humanitarian programs like this in the future. We aim to reach even more communities in need and remain a platform for donors who wish to share their blessings.
To enhance aid effectiveness, we will continue refining our beneficiary data and verification systems. Additionally, Dompet Dhuafa USA will keep innovating humanitarian programs to maximize the impact of every donation.
If you wish to participate in Dompet Dhuafa USA’s programs, please visit our official website at www.dompetdhuafa-usa.org. Join us in making a difference by contributing today.
Thank you for being part of this humanitarian journey.
