Once again this year, Westminster will support refugee families in our community through a summer-holiday refugee donation drive running from Memorial Day through the 4th of July.
Our donation drive will be conducted in partnership with Jewish Family Services of Washtenaw County (JFS), which identifies the household items most needed by local refugee families and distributes donated items to those families. JFS is the only resettlement agency in Washtenaw County and assists refugees and immigrants through its RISE program (Resettlement, Integration, Support and Empowerment).
Resettlement of refugee families was limited last year, but so far this year approximately 35 families have arrived and are being resettled in our community through the work of JFS. Many of these families have arrived from South Africa and are seeking safety, stability, and new opportunities for themselves and their children as they begin rebuilding their lives in the United States.
The support of local partners, like us at Westminster, is critical in helping JFS provide warm and welcoming homes for newly arriving refugee families.
Monetary gifts may be made on our online giving page, or checks payable to Westminster Presbyterian Church may be given to Dave Gross, Financial Secretary. Gift card donations should also be delivered directly to Dave Gross. Donation bins are located in the hallway leading to Fellowship Hall and in the Narthex.
Let us work together to support our refugee neighbors!
Needed Donation Items
*Highest need items are marked with asterisks*
New items:
- *Kitchen towels and potholders*
- *Kitchen trash cans*
- *Twin comforters*
- Toilet paper
- Laundry detergent
- Shampoo
New or used in very good, clean condition:
- *Silverware in sets of 4 place settings or more*
- *Dish sets for 4 people or more, preferably with plate, bowl, mug or cup included*
- *Drinking glasses (not stemware) in sets of 4 or more (no logos please)*
- *Coffee mugs in sets of 4 or more (no logos please)*
- *Glass baking dishes (8 x 8 or 9 x 13 preferred)*
- *Sauce pans and frying pans in very good, clean condition*
- *Mixing and serving bowls*
- Sharp knives
Gift cards:
Target and Meijer, $25, $50 or Visa gift cards (please deliver gift cards directly to Dave Gross, Financial Secretary)
Furniture and other household items
Furniture or bulky items may be donated by pickup arranged through JFS – pictures to Patty Benson of JFS ()
- Upright vacuums (bagless preferred or with bags provided if possible)
- Microwaves
- Dressers
- Dining tables
- Dining chairs
- Sofas and loveseats
- Floor and table lamps
- End and coffee tables
- Armchairs
