|| LIRS || Material Donations

Make a Material or Cash Donation to Support a Refugee

Refugees usually flee their homelands with only what they can carry. They have to start new lives in America literally from scratch, with no resources.

The newcomers are often astounded at the generosity of their sponsors and others. Sometimes they ask, "Why are these people doing all this for us? Why are they helping us?" Your donations of material goods and cash are ways to show that you care.

Donations of Materials Goods
Donations of Cash
For More Help on Getting Started

Donations of Materials Goods

Assembling the Goods
You can assemble the goods on your own or ask others to help you. The items should be new or in top condition.

You might organize a "refugee shower" along the lines of a bridal shower. Each person you invite is to bring an item the new family will need. At the same time you and your guests will have an opportunity to meet the new family, hear about their experiences and make them feel welcome in the church or community.

Household Furnishings and Equipment

The lists here are general suggestions that you can adapt for the needs of specific newly arrived families.

Essential Furniture Beds Kitchen table and chairs Sofa Coffee table End tables Lamps Chest of drawers or dresser Television set	For the Bedroom 1 alarm clock 2 pillows 2 pillowcases Sheets for double or single beds Blankets Quilts or bedspreads Clothes hangers
For the Bathroom 2 bath towels 2 hand towels 2 washcloths Shower curtain and rings 4 rolls of toilet paper 2 bars of soap 2 toothbrushes Toothpaste Shampoo Deodorant First-aid kit Thermometer Laundry detergent Medium-sized laundry basket Small wastebasket Scouring cleanser	For the Kitchen 4 place settings of glasses, forks, spoons and knives; several sizes of plates and soup bowls 2 kettles 1 large stew pot 1 frying pan 1 teapot 1 large knife 1 paring knife 3 plastic containers Potholders 1 container of dish soap 2 dishcloths 1 can scouring cleanser 1 new large garbage container, into which all of the above can be placed

School Packs

You can help newly arrived refugee children get a good start by donating items they'll need in school. Please use only new items for each school pack. Include exactly what is listed here, so that each child receives the same materials.

Elementary School Packs
6 pencils
6 ballpoint pens
3 erasers
1 ruler with metric and standard markings
1 box colored pencils
8 washable markers
24 crayons
1 bottle white glue
1 safety scissors
3 folders with pockets
1 package loose-leaf paper
2 3/8-inch ruled tablets
1 box tissue paper
1 child's backpack, into which the items can be packed

Secondary School Pack
6 pencils
6 ballpoint pens
1 three-ring binder
3 spiral notebooks
8 folders with pockets
1 backpack, into which the items can be packed

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Donations of Cash

Cash for Initial Expenses
Designated cash donations are appreciated since resources from government and the refugees' resettlement agency are always limited. Here are some examples of what such donations can buy:

Housing deposit or rent for one month
$250 to $600

Deposits for utility accounts
$150

Utilities for one month
$100

Food supply
$100

Children's seasonal clothing and shoes
$75

Infants' clothing and needs
$75

Emergency medical/dental fund
$100

Contributions to the LIRS Friends of Refugees Fund
To help meet the emergency needs of refugees, support special projects with them and strength regular program services for refugees, you can donate to the LIRS Friends of Refugees Fund.

Mail your tax-deductible contribution to:
Friends of Refugees Fund
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
700 Light Street
Baltimore, MD 21230-3850

Or donate online now!

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For More Help on Getting Started

To find out more about how to donate goods or cash for newly arrived refugee families in your area, you can also contact:
the LIRS office nearest you
or
the LIRS national office.