In Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, home to hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, temperatures drop below freezing and icy, stormy conditions make winter the toughest season to survive. Thermal blankets are among the core relief items that generous Americans provide to vulnerable families, who are deeply grateful for the support.

"It's like someone was drowning and was finally saved," is how Mahmoud described the winter relief items, including thermal blankets, that he and his family received thanks to generous Americans. He is pictured here with his wife Rouhlat and their daughters Nawal and Soundens. The young couple came to Lebanon's Bekaa Valley from Syria with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

Six-month old Syrian refugee Mona is sleeping in her thermal blanket provided by UNHCR. Mona and her mother lived in a substandard building before they received help from UNHCR. UNHCR installed windows, insulation and plumbing to create a safe and warm living environment. They've also received cash assistance to help pay for basics like firewood, food, clothing and medicine.

We promise to honor your generosity and use your donation in the most effective way possible to help refugees. The catalog items shown reflect periodic surveys of the countries UNHCR operates in and represent both the need and price of critical aid items. Although each item is representative of the gift category in which it appears, donations will be used to provide assistance where it is needed most.