By now you've heard about it, talked about it, maybe posted about it. Millions of Syrians are joining the tens of millions of refugees around the world displaced by violence and seeking asylum. But starting over is difficult and costly -- and we can help!
This week, Monday 11/30 – Friday 12/4 during business hours, monetary and material donations will be collected in Austin 162 (First-Year Writing Office, English Department) to support refugees from around the world, displaced by violence and granted asylum here in Connecticut. All donations will go directly to Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services (IRIS), a New Haven charity that finds housing for and offers support to new American families from war-torn countries.
To help these families starting new lives at the beginning of a New England winter, we are collecting goods and monetary donations, and you can be a part of this effort.
How you can help:
Okay, we all know none of us has a lot of extra cash (though if you're feeling generous, we are taking cash or check donations or you can donate online at irisct.org). But you may have extra winter coats, dorm room or household supplies, and other items that refugee families desperately need:
- winter coats and other outerwear -- urgent need! (new or gently used); children's clothes of all kinds and all sizes, pajamas, and other clothing in all sizes (new or gently used); socks & underwear (new only)
- soaps, shampoos & conditions, razors, toilet paper, bed linens, towels, cleaning supplies, etc. (new only)
- kitchen supplies like pots & pans, small kitchen appliances, silverware, dishes, end/coffee tables, lamps, bookshelves, bed frames, dressers, bagged vacuum cleaners, alarm clocks, medical kits, winter blankets, etc. (new or gently used)
Other ways to be involved:
We know everyone is busy and stressed at this particular time of the year, so we're especially grateful for anything you can donate to make a real, active impact on world events and help put some smiles on children's faces!
Emily Carminati, Bre Leake, Christiana Salah, & Hayley Stefan
UConn Department of English
For more information, contact: Christiana Salah at CTRefugeeDrive@gmail.com