"This is the first batch of flood-relief donations Anhui has received from an overseas NGO," said Li Hongta, chief of the Anhui Provincial Civil Affairs Department, at a donating ceremony held in Shouxian.

He said the donations would be given to farmers who lost their houses in the flood, elderly people who do not have children and family members of the farmers who are combating the flood at the front-line.

The donations, including 75 tons of rice, 3,000 quilts and more than 6,000 pieces of clothing, would benefit 3,000 households in Jiulong and Fengzhuang townships, said Jackie Lee, president of the society.

She said that preparations for the donations started soon after they learned that the Huaihe River had been by the worst flood since 1991.

"When our brothers and sisters are in difficulties, we are sure to come to their aid," said Susan Feng, a member of the society.

(Xinhua News Agency July 21, 2003)