22 January

Help For Refugee Families

by Jon Katz
Help For Refugee Families

Several hundred refugees are arriving in upstate New York, they could use some inexpensive help with household items like silverware, sheets, glasses, plates, pots and pans, blankets, light strollers, soap, shampoo, teapots. You can see the items requested here. The gifts range from $7 to $30. I will soon be meeting one of these families, will plan on mentoring one, helping them to learn English, fill out forms, take tests, file applications – the stuff of life we take for granted.

Some of these refugees lost everything and have never experienced winter weather like that of upstate New York. They need the smallest things – soap and toothpaste and towels. They do not ask for much. But they need everything.

In the coming years, I believe it is important for me and others to look for ways to do good, to show up, to support the idea of America as a welcoming place, and as a country that does not only welcome the rich and highly trained, but also the tired and the weary and the poor.

I don’t want to be part of the argument or the problem, but part of positive solutions. I don’t feel superior to anyone or condemn anyone, I just want to help good people who need help and I wish to support the idea of America as a sanctuary, a welcoming and safe place. That is why I am here, that is why I am alive.

There are many demands on your time and money, but I hope you will consider purchasing one of these inexpensive household items for people who are coming to America at an uncertain and are afraid and in need. An Amazon page has been set up for them by the Albany Office of the U.S. Committee for Immigrants and Refugees. If you can, please mark the gifts to the attention of Jake. He is the warehouse manager for the USCRI.

Most of the refugees are settling around the Albany area, about an hour or so from me. If you can help out, that will be great. If not, there will be many opportunities and thanks for considering it.  In a few weeks, Maria and I will get to meet some of the families and the one we will be helping. Thanks for all of the support you have given Maria and I for this work. The Amazon page is here.

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