Fleeing Falluja

A truck with relief supplies arrives in the northern Iraqi city of Samarra.

It's part of an offer of help for the thousands who have fled the fighting in Falluja in Anbar province.

Families search through a pile of donated clothes.

Others gather food.

This school is now home -- or at least until February 16, when children return from holidays.

Falluja is taking a pounding from government forces in possible preparation for a ground assault to drive out militants and regain control.

Now, those who have fled find food and comfort far from home.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN FROM FALLUJA, SAYING:

"Artillery shelling and aerial bombing is taking place, hitting houses and hurting families. We came here to the good people of Samarra and they received us and we were allowed to enter the city after getting a guarantee from a sponsor."

Others hope for help from the United States.

(SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ABU AHMED, RESIDENT FROM F