Artist and writer and illustrator Rachel Barlow is putting together creativity kits for refugee and immigrant children, and for foster children who have been mistreated or abused. These children all have one thing in common, they need to explore the bounds of their creativity, build their confidence, and light the creative spark that will help them heal and find their voices.

Rachel has already raised over $2,000 to make 80 kits for children who are newly arrived in America, are struggling with language and other social issues and do not yet have social or other networks of friends. It is a very difficult time for them, made worse by the tension and conflict surround America’s immigration program.

These children are not terrorists, they have not come to take anybody’s jobs, they are here legally, and have suffered greatly. Many are now orphans, their parents killed in regional conflicts. In America, some people’s hearts have turned to stone, but many more people wish to do good given the chance.

Here is the chance.

Rachel is seeking help in putting together 50 additional creativity kits to distribute to the children of refugees and immigrants who have already arrived in America., some are still arriving in advance of a potential ban on immigration from many countries where refugees are in desperate need of new homes.

What’s in a kit? You can see here.

It costs about $15 to create one of these kits, she hopes to distribute 50 more to the refugee children and to children in foster care in various states. Rachel’s idea is red hot, I think it will grow and expand, but she could use some help right now.

If you can contribute – Paypal and major credit cards – for a one-time donation in any amount, you can do so here. $5 is as good as $100, all are appreciated.

These kids are important, not only do the children appear to love them, they give them creative and personal activity while they are in transition and often lonely. Some are now frightened of America, refugee communities are fearful and feel embattled. These kits show our new fellow citizens what Americans are really like.

We are a generous and welcoming people. I can’t think of a more patriotic thing to do.

Tomorrow, I’m taking 10 of these kits to a refugee center in Albany where they  teach after school programs and offer some day care. I don’t have enough for all of the children, but hopefully, Rachel will get to make more.

Thank you.