No doubt we all felt helpless watching so many desperate Afghans struggling to get through the gates of Kabul airport, but at least now we have an opportunity to open our hearts and do something. As many as 6,000 refugees may be resettling in Washington this fall. At this point, each person receives a one time cash assistance payment of $1,200 and the rest is up to their ingenuity and community support. Several relief agencies are trying to additionally surround each family with basic services like housing, food, clothing, transportation, tutoring, and monetary assistance and they need our help via volunteerism, supply provision, and monetary donations. One way to individually get involved is by contacting Lutheran Community Services Northwest at siv@lcsnw.org
On October 10th, the Immigration Task Force will be sharing more avenues for participation in the relief efforts and immediately after church, we are inviting you and your pod to “do something” now (in a masked and socially distanced fashion) by assembling 50 kitchen and bath supply kits. Refugees arrive with nothing so they need bath towels and toilet paper, frying pans and spatulas…things we take for granted. The items have been donated, but we need your help to fill the bins and write welcome notes. We are also asking for (but not requiring) a fancy box of tea or scented soap to add a touch of specialness to the basic supplies. The bins will be delivered the following week to Lutheran Community Services Northwest in Tacoma and extra drivers with big vehicles would be much appreciated. Contact Mary Code at codemary55@gmail.com or 206-510-7504 if you have questions.
Thank You!
Your Immigration Task Force
