Short refugee update and list of current most needed items.
Jean Arnott
Dear Women of Faith and Friends,
It’s been a while since I’ve given you an update. Sometimes I’m so busy sewing that I forget to sharpen the saw. But we need you! Our new neighbors need you! So following is our current list of TOP SIXTEEN MOST NEEDED ITEMS for our refugee welcome kits.
But first, a quick update:
· This week we’ll be moving in our 82nd and 83rd families for 2023.
· From or through 28 countries.
· Settling in 60 communities in California.
· Continuing to support dozens of families in an ongoing way.
· More and more volunteers in new locations. If you would like the experience of helping a refugee family where you live, let me know and I’ll let you know if/when a family is going to settle in your area.
Highlights😊:
· More and more families are receiving their US citizenship!
· More children are graduating high school, with most of those now attending college.
· More and more moms are learning English and some are attending college. Some have graduated with degrees.
· Several dads have started businesses of their own and are providing opportunities for employment to others, including new refugees.
· Many families are receiving financial support from children who have finished school and have jobs.
· I can think of four families who have now purchased homes.
Sounds pretty mainstream American – right? So impressed and proud of the accomplishments of these good people!
So, if you’re in a position to help and would like to, you can drop off at our location (for the locals). If you’d like to order online, you may choose to have your gift shipped directly to:
Women of Faith Interfaith Service Community
31838 Florida Avenue
Mentone, CA 92359
*If you add your name to the address line after Women of Faith, I can let you know when your gift arrives.
*If you would like a receipt, please let me know.
Or you can send a check to the address above, or venmo to @JEAN-ARNOTT-1.
Many thanks, as usual!
*Some of these items are fine coming used. Please check to assure that they are in very good condition and clean. Some obviously are best new.
1. Silverware drawer organizer
2. Food storage containers – any kind
3. Cutting boards
4.
Clothes
irons
5. Dish drainers
6. Manual can openers
7. Measure cups and spoons
8. Wash cloths – especially white
9. Cleaning buckets
10. Dishwashing liquid
11. Paper towels
12. Toilet tissue
13. Disposable razors (men’s & women’s)
14. Ironing boards – full size or table size
15. Laundry baskets – (not from the Dollar Store, please 😊)
16. Backpacks for middle and high school students
