By Emmanuel Koffa
GRAND KRU, Liberia–Several persons living with physical disabilities in Grand Kru County have benefited from food and other relief items donated by the National Lottery Authority (NLA), marking another phase of its nationwide Christmas welfare package.
This is part of the NLA’s annual Christmas outreach, which included 30 bags of rice, gallons of vegetable oil, and cartons of Vita milk, aimed at easing the burden on vulnerable citizens during the festive season.
Speaking during the presentation, NLA Director for Marketing, Kia Gee, said the initiative was in fulfillment of the Authority’s Social Corporate Responsibility (SCR) to people living with disabilities across Liberia.
“This donation is part of the National Lottery Authority’s social corporate responsibility to identify with people living with disabilities, especially during the Christmas season,” Mr. Gee said. “We are targeting all fifteen counties to ensure that no vulnerable group is left behind.”
According to him, the gesture aligns with the NLA’s statutory mandate to support public welfare programs and assist disadvantaged groups nationwide.
“Our mandate requires us to give back to the Liberian people through public welfare initiatives, and Christmas is a time to share and bring relief to those who are most in need,” he added.
Mr. Gee emphasized that the donated items should be used strictly for their intended purpose and benefit the rightful recipients.
“These items are meant for the disabled community, and we strongly believe they will be used for their intended purpose,” he stressed.
He further highlighted the importance of government institutions identifying with people who are physically challenged in line with national laws and inclusive governance.
“Government must continue to identify with people living with disabilities through policies and initiatives that guarantee them dignity and equal access to services,” Mr. Gee noted.
The NLA Marketing Director also stated that the donation symbolically represents the leadership of the country.
“We bring these items on behalf of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, and the National Lottery Authority Board, extending Christmas greetings and seasonal relief to vulnerable Liberians across the nation,” he said.
He reaffirmed government willingness to beneficiaries for continuous engagement and inclusive programs that address the long-term needs of persons living with disabilities beyond the Christmas season.
Receiving the items, Daniel Karmbor, Head of the Grand Kru Disabled Association, expressed appreciation to the government and the NLA for remembering people living with disabilities during the festive season.
“We are grateful that the government has remembered us during this Christmas season,” Karmbor said. “Many disabled people do not have family support, and assistance like this helps us meet our basic needs.”
Also speaking at the program, Grand Kru County Administrator Alphonso Teah praised the initiative and called for sustained support for persons with disabilities.
“This donation shows that the government is mindful of people living with disabilities,” Administrator Teah stated. “We encourage continued assistance to ensure that this group of citizens is not left behind.”