Fill a Bag - Fill a Heart is an annual fundraising event, conducted by Scouts de L'Independence - Mar Elias Ghazir, that aims to provide families in need with food and other essentials during the Christmas season. Typically, this initiative takes place in the form of physical donations collected from various supermarkets and later distributed to the aforementioned families.
However, during the past 24 months, Lebanon has entered into a dark economic chapter. The average monthly minimum wage has decreased from $450 in 2019 to approximately $25 in 2021. More than 75% of Lebanon's population is below the internationally defined poverty line. Not to mention, the country is still reeling from the impact of one of the most catastrophic man-made explosions of recent times.
For those reasons, we have decided to expand our horizon. This year, we aim to collect a sum of $2,500, which will be used to purchase consumables and essentials in order to help provide for a larger-than-usual target within regions surrounding Lebanon's capital, Beirut.
Any small amount goes a long way in drawing smiles on children's faces this Christmas!