As many of you know, a small group of parishioners has been actively engaged in supporting Afghan families settling in Alexandria as an extension of the Christ Church Refugee Ministry (CCRM). The Grace “Care Team” began working about two months ago in support of one family and just like “fishes and loaves” we have expanded our support by taking on two additional families. The two new families actually form one larger family unit connected by adult siblings. The group of 13 originally shared a three bedroom apartment but, thankfully, each family now enjoys their own space.
Our Care Teams continue to provide lots of assistance to these families who arrived here at the end of last summer with the proverbial “clothes on their back”. We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of our church and gratified to be part of a larger network here in Alexandria which includes Christ Church, Immanuel on the Hill, Rock Springs Unified Congregational Church (Arlington) and most recently St. Paul’s in Old Town.
Within our two new families there are seven school aged children and two young adults who are working. To support these young people, we are seeking donations of gently used or new clothing and shoes for the children. We are also asking for donated gift cards (increments of $25 up to $100 will be best) to provide to the family for the purchase of new undergarments. With the spring and summer months approaching, donations of clothing appropriate for warmer weather would be appreciated. In general, dress for the girls is a bit more modest in nature so we would ask for pants / leggings without holes in them as is a bit of the current fashion.
If you have additional questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Mary Hix, Blair Sokol, John Berry, Ann Korky, or Dan Pattarini who are all members of the Grace Care Teams supporting CCRM.
Instructions on dropping off gift-cards and/or a designated box for donations will be set aside in / near the church office. We will collect donations through the end of April. No donations will be wasted. If we receive too many items, we will be sure to get those to other children / families in need!
Shams Family (five children) Boy 14 Shirt – men’s medium Pants – 32 Shoes – 9.5 Boy 16 Shirt – men’s large Pants – 32 Shoes – 9.5 Girl 17 Shirt – women’s medium Pants – 27 Shoes – women’s size 5 Adult male, 21 Shirt – men’s medium Adult female, 22 Shirt – women’s medium Pants – women’s size 6 | Ibrahimi Family (four children) Boy 8 Shirt – Boys S/M Pants – Size 5/6 Shoes – childrens size 2 Girl 11 Shirt – childrens medium / large Pants – medium / 10-12 Shoes – women’s 5.5 Girl 13 Shirt – women’s M or L Pants – women’s size 8 Shoes – women’s 7.5 Boy 16 Shirt – men’s large or XL (especially for sweatshirts) Pants – 32/30 Shoes – men’s 9.5 |