Who We Are Friends of Lutheran World Relief began as an offshoot of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Lutheran council of Greater Chicago, a pan-Lutheran organization formed in the post World War II years to foster inter-Lutheran cooperation and service.
				Today we contact all Lutheran churches, about 600, in the Metropolitan ELCA Synod, the Northern Illinois ELCA Synod, and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Northern Illinois District for news of our annual fall ingathering of parish projects. This ingathering is held the first weekend of October. In addition FLWR has an annual luncheon and general meeting each April. This is a time for anyone interested in the work of Lutheran World Relief to come together. Many bring their quilts and kits for display. Also at the luncheon interesting LWR speakers tell of first hand experiences with the work of LWR. FLWR receives cash donations at the luncheon and throughout the year from individuals and churches. Each year FLWR sends a check to LWR headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland. The officers and board of directors of FLWR meet several times a year to plan these activities; mailing sessions meet to send out the notices and invitations to the 600 churches and many individuals. In addition the board assists in contacts with LWR and publicity. For over 30 years FLWR has assisted LWR in its ministries of healing and hope. Our area contributes mightily to the material resources distributed to people in need in many parts of the world. In 2008 LWR delivered 1,500 tons of these materials, and the number of quilts sewn, tied and sent was 455,798!