SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) _ Northern Indiana relief agencies are reaching out to help Syrian refugees who are seeking shelter in Lebanon by providing food and other essentials.
 
The South Bend Tribune reports Feed The Hungry and Feeding the Nations in South Bend and the Mennonite Central Committee's Great Lakes office in Goshen are sending food, money, hygiene kits and other necessities to those who've fled Syria following a recent chemical attack.
 
The civil war that began in Syria two years ago has forced thousands from their homes, but the refugees' plight has received more attention recently since the deadly attack spurred discussion about U.S. military intervention.
 
Relief agencies say many of the refugees are struggling to pay for housing in Lebanon and are being forced to take jobs with low pay.