Bringing Hope and Relief to Mongolia’s Disabled Community

On a warm spring day in Ulaanbaatar, volunteers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gathered at a community center to assemble food and hygiene bags for members of the Mongolian National Wheelchair Users Association.

Pujee Dorj, welfare manager for the Church, explained that rising prices across Mongolia have created significant challenges for many families, especially individuals with disabilities who often struggle to meet daily living needs.

“When the world is facing economic difficulties and the prices of everything continue to rise, the benefits and assistance we receive have not increased,” said Ganbaatar, a member of the Mongolian National Wheelchair Users Association. “In such difficult circumstances, we are very grateful for the household and food support being provided to us.”

The need first came to Pujee’s attention through the husband of a woman with disabilities who had recently passed away. Moved by the situation, she quickly organized support efforts. Humanitarian funds donated by Church members were used to purchase rice, sugar, flour, noodles, and various hygiene products.

Church volunteers assembled and distributed 100 care bags for members of the association.

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Egshiglen Batzorigt, the Mongolia East Stake YSA representative, said volunteering brought both joy and perspective.

“I came here today because I felt it was what Jesus would want me to do,” he said. “At first I thought it might be difficult, but it turned out to be simple. It gave me a wonderful feeling, and the people were so appreciative of the help we gave.”

Among the recipients was Tuya, a resident of Khan-Uul District, whose 24-year-old son lives with muscular weakness.

“In this era of globalization, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the international organization that is supporting people with disabilities by helping meet these essential needs,” she said. “Thank you for bringing comfort, hope, and love all at once and for bringing happiness to people, even if only for a moment.”

Thirty recipients were able to attend the distribution event in person, while volunteers delivered the remaining 70 bags directly to recipients’ apartments throughout the city.