If you're wondering what you can do to assist with the resettlement of Afghan refugees in Northeastern Ohio, look over these ways to assist the Diocese of Cleveland.
Our parish will be taking part in these efforts through that diocese as suggested by the Diocese of Youngstown's Director of Catholic Charities.
Some people have to decide between fleeing their home or living in unimaginable conditions. You only have to decide if you want to help.
Pray
The Jesuit Refugee Services has a Novena for Refugees that can be shared.
Volunteer
A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through the Diocese of Cleveland. Complete the volunteer form online by visiting https://www.ccdocle.org/afghan-humanitarian-crisis.
Donate
Financial donations are accepted online at https://www.ccdocle.org/afghan-humanitarian-crisis. Checks can be made payable to "Migration and Refugee Services" and mailed to Migration and Refugee Services, 7800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, OH 44102. Please make sure to note "Afghan Crisis" or "General Doantion" in the memo line of your check. Gift cards to local department stores, grocery stores, and restaurants can help people with basic needs, such as food, clothing, health and hygiene products, and other essential items. Gift cards can be mailed to Diocese of Youngstown Catholic Charities Corp., 144 W. Wood St., Youngstown, OH 44503.
Housing is Needed - apartments, single-family homes, or congregate living facilities. Call 216-939-3737 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for more information.
Material Goods are needed to get families set up in temporary and permanent housing. To learn about the most requested items, please refer to the Blessing Bags Project List (also available as a flyer) or click on the Afghan Humanitarian Crisis Flyer in the Links section above.
After Masses on the weekend of October 30/31, the kids from PSR will be distributing Blessing Bags to be filled with simple household, cleaning, and personal items. These donations will be used to assist Catholic Charities – Diocese of Cleveland’s efforts to resettle Afghan refugees throughout northeastern Ohio.
To Participate . . . .
Pick up a bag. You are welcome to take as many bags as you like. You can also share the bags with others.
Fill the bags over the next week. If you need ideas, take a look at the suggested list of items below (or download the flyer in the Links section). These items are most requested by refugees.
Return to the Narthex the weekend of November 6/7.