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. 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.
From now until 5 p.m. Friday 12/4, monetary and material donations will be collected 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.
**VISIT OUR DONATION TABLE, AUSTIN BLDG FOYER, THURSDAY 2:00-3:00 P.M.**
Can't come then? Drop off donations any time in the box in Austin 162 (First-Year Writing Office, English Department)
How you can help:
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 sweatshirts, 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:
- Join our Facebook event "Donation Drive for CT Refugee Families" to get more details and updates.
- For more information on the good work IRIS is accomplishing for refugees or to donate money directly to the charity, visit their website. (Email us the donation amount to be counted towards our total!)
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 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