The country of Tajikistan - and its capital Dushanbe - are in the grips of one of the harshest winters in decades. News reports of food and fuel shortages abound, as do global appeals for aid.

According to the United Nations, the cold is so severe that the country's hydroelectric power stations can barely produce any electricity or heat. The people of Dushanbe are suffering at least half of every day - during what is being called "the worst winter in living memory" - with no heat at all. In other parts of Tajikistan it's even worse. The U.N. also estimates that at least 260,000 people are currently without adequate food.

Radio Free Europe reports that "Newborn babies, infants, and the elderly are suffering most. Doctors and nurses in maternity wards deliver babies by candlelight in dark, freezing rooms. According to official figures, 232 newborn babies died in maternity wards last month," and "More than half a million Tajiks are estimated to be food-insecure, while at least 260,000 need immediate food aid."

In short, the people of Tajikistan are starving and freezing. Your donation to the Boulder Dushanbe Relief Fund is a tax deductible charitable donation.

The people of Dushanbe did a beautiful thing for the people of Boulder. Now it's our turn to return the favour.

For more information, please visit: http://www.dushanberelief.org/