 However, many citizens in East Germany enjoyed one particular advantage over their counterparts in other Eastern Bloc countries in that they were often supported by relatives and friends in West Germany who would bring goods from the West on visits or even send goods or money.The West German government and many organisations in West Germany supported projects in East Germany, such as rebuilding and restoration or making good some shortages in times of need (e.g.toothbrushes) from which East German citizens again benefited.