How to Help Afghan Refugees

Our hearts go out to the Afghan refugees arriving in the U.S. Approximately 850 are expected to arrive in Northern Virginia. BOSJ has already voted to send a check for $1,000 to Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area. This group works with the State Department and Fairfax County in resettling refugees and will organize much of the effort in the area. Some items and help will be needed initially and other things will be needed "down the road a bit".

Donations:

  • Basic furniture

    • LSS at 202-723-3000

    • queen & twin beds

    • dresser

    • table

    • chairs

    • lamps

  • Large storage space

    • One Heart DC at 703-489-9200

    • For those in Fairfax City, Dale City or Alexandria

  • Store gift cards

    • Contact Janet Mackey to donate to the Homework Club

If you can volunteer time to pack welcome kits, provide transport to appointments, orient refugees to public transportation, assist with banking and credit, school registration, employment preparation & job search, administrative work (preferably 20 hrs./week), etc., call LSS at the number above.

BOSJ would like donations of welcome boxes. A single family, several families together, individuals or several individuals together can purchase items to complete the box. When complete, take the box on Wednesdays through September to LRUCC. BOSJ staff and other volunteers will pick them up. See the list below for the four types of boxes and select which you would like to donate.

Kitchen Supplies Box:

  • set of large pots, pans with lids

  • frying pans - at least one 12 inch

  • mixing & serving bowl set - include one large

  • set of kitchen utensils - spatula, serving utensils

  • wooden spoon set

  • set of clear baking dishes

  • set of knives - bread, paring, chef, serrated

  • can opener

Kitchen Tableware Box:

  • flatware set for 6 - knives, forks, spoons

  • kitchen plates - set for 6

  • set of mugs - set for 6

  • set of glassware - set for 6

  • kitchen towels, 4

  • dish soap

Linens Box:

  • 2 sets of twin sheets (top, bottom, 2 pillowcases)

  • 2 sets of queen sheets (top, bottom, 2 pillowcases)

  • 4 blankets

  • 4 pillows

  • alarm clock

  • laundry basket

Cleaning Supplies Box:

  • all purpose cleaner

  • laundry detergent

  • sponges & scrubs

  • cleaning rags

  • paper towels

  • waste baskets - 2

  • trash bags

Little River UCC