In the past weeks, the conflict along the Thai‑Cambodian border has forced hundreds of thousands of Cambodians to return home from their work in Thailand or flee from villages near the border. Or both.

Many have arrived in Siem Reap, with nothing but the hope of finding safety, a place to rest, and something to eat. The scenes are heartbreaking, yet within them is a quiet strength—the resilience of the Cambodian people who have faced generations of hardship and still find ways to support one another.

Almost all of the local pagodas are providing shelter and support, and the Siem Reap community has stepped up to do all it can to help mitigate the suffering caused by these tragic circumstances.

At Heartprint, we are profoundly aware of our privilege in having safety and stability. Our role as westerners is not in this instance to direct, but to facilitate the extraordinary efforts of the Cambodian youth and Heartprint community members, driven to help their neighbors from the west and north.

For a country with a recent history marked by repression, genocide, and civil war, it is vital that Cambodians feel ownership of their response. These moments—where they plan, organize, and help their neighbors—are not only lifesaving, but also restorative to a sense of purpose and control.

Over the past few weeks, our youth group at the community center has transformed heartbreak into hearthope. They cleared storerooms and shelves to create emergency care packs filled with mosquito nets, hygiene kits, blankets, clothing, shoes, and even handmade coloring books for children. The younger Heartprint children joined in packing, and the Youth Group delivered the care packages to a local pagoda where displaced families were sheltering.

It was serious work, but there were flashes of humor, too. One boy, our resident “court jester,” tried on layer after layer of donated clothing to lighten the mood and bring a moment of fun to a heavy day. He looked really silly in his petticoats and trousers topped by a cardigan - and made the little ones laugh. An important reminder that even in crisis, small lights matter.

In one of our supported villages, twenty families arrived terrified, exhausted, and with nothing to eat from or sleep under. Some were suffering from dengue and were taken to hospital. In a remarkable show of solidarity, the village chief and 19 other local families—many with very little themselves—each took in one displaced family. With donations, Heartprint was able to supply what the villagers decided was most needed: tarps to extend shelters, mosquito nets, hygiene kits, plates and spoons, and condiments to go with donated rice. These simple items—along with the comfort of a safe place to sleep—make all the difference in the first days after displacement.

Our approach is deliberate: Heartprint does not dictate how aid is distributed. We step back and allow local leaders and our youth to make the decisions. They know who is most vulnerable, how to organize support, and what will bring the greatest comfort to their new neighbors. This is part of their own healing—being able to act, to contribute, and to see the difference they make. We simply facilitate, provide resources, and walk alongside them.

The work will not end in a week. Too often, crises fade from public attention, and those displaced are left to struggle alone. Heartprint will remain committed for the long term, continuing to provide food, housing support, hygiene items, and other essentials. Even the smallest gestures have an impact.

As another small aside, when the youth packed initial aid kits, they gave away all the toothpaste from our community center—because they couldn’t bear the thought of children going without. We will replace our own supplies, but the spirit of selfless generosity in our community is what leaves the deepest heartprint.

Every toothbrush, every warm meal, and every smile shared is a reminder of what is possible when people come together. Thank you for standing with us and for helping ensure that those forced from their homes are not forgotten. If you wish to support our ongoing efforts, your kindness will go directly to the families and youth leading this remarkable, homegrown response.

We all hope for a sustained ceasefire and a forever peace. In the meantime, we will follow the lead of our community in helping where help is most needed.

With gratitude,

The Whole Heartprint Team

Every Act of Kindness Leaves a Heartprint