Sweet Opportunity to Help Refugees

I learned about this from my friend, Janel Sullivan. You can read her whole post here.

Between now and September the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) is going to be helping approximately 110 refugees resettle in Des Moines (from Zimbabwe, Burma, & Iraq). [Jen's personal note: God is bringing the nations to our backyard and we have a great opportunity to serve them (and HIM!)] Currently USCRI is in desperate need of household donations and also for volunteers from the community as refugees have already started arriving just this week.

Below is a list of the items needed that must be in the homes once the refugees arrive. As you do your spring cleaning this year, PLEASE consider USCRI as a possible donation site for old furniture, clothing, and other household items. Donations can be dropped off at Jake’s gym in Ankeny starting today (3305 SE Deleware). Drop-off times are Monday through Thursday 4pm-9:30pm, or if you need to drop off at a different time get in touch with Jake to arrange this (jake@kingdomhoops.com). There will be large signs directing you to the storage/drop off area once you enter the main door. USCRI will also pick up any donations that you cannot bring in! [Note from Jen: I would be more than happy to collect a van-load of items and take them to Ankeny if you only have a few things to donate. Please email me at jenniferailenelee@gmail.com.]

Here is the list of items needed, and volunteer information is outlined below:

Furnishings
-Mattresses (twin, double)
-Box springs
-Bed frames
-Dressers, set of drawers, shelves, or other unit appropriate for storage of clothing
-Kitchen tables
-Kitchen chairs
-Couches or equivalent seating
-Lamps

Kitchen Items
-Tableware (forks, knifes, spoons)
-Dishes (plates, bowls, cups)
-Pots & pans (sauce pans, frying pans, baking dishes)
-Mixing/serving bowls
-Kitchen utensils (spatulas, wooden spoons, knifes, serving utensils, etc.)
-Can opener
-Baby items

Linens & Other Household Items
-Bath towels
-Bed sheets and blankets
-Pillows and pillowcases
-Alarm clocks
-Paper, pens and pencils
-Light bulbs

Cleaning Supplies
-Dish soap
-Bathroom/kitchen cleanser
-Sponges, cleaning rags, and/or paper towels
-Laundry detergent
-Waste baskets
-Mops, brooms
-Trash bags

Toiletries
-Toilet paper
-Shampoo
-Soap
-Toothbrushes
-Toothpaste

Food
-Ready to eat food
-Baby food

Come on, let’s start knocking out these items so that Valerie and USCRI Des Moines can use their government money allotment for things greater than household items!!!!!!!! Let’s get Jake’s gym packed to the brim!!!

USCRI Des Moines is also in desperate need of manpower - people willing to serve their TIME and volunteer! Valerie has had a very difficult time finding people who are willing to help refugees. As families pour in USCRI needs volunteers to help set up apartments, aid in transportation, and mentoring these families as they acclimate to their new environment and life. An interest in volunteering does not require a commitment ahead of time. Rather, your name will be placed on an email list and notification emails will be sent out for the needs as they arise. As a volunteer you will also receive a newsletter with updates and an opportunity to attend an orientation for this specific volunteer work. If you are interested in volunteering email Valerie at valeriemayerstubbs@gmail.com and you will be added to the volunteer email list