International Rescue Committee (IRC)

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A Christmas welcome in Wichita

The IRC's Andrea Gardner with Renad, a young refugee from Sudan who's showing off her new pink pajamas and sunglasses -- early Christmas gifts from Andrea's family.

The IRC's Andrea Gardner with Renad, a young refugee from Sudan who's showing off her new pink pajamas and sunglasses —  Christmas gifts from Andrea's family. 

Photo: IRC

By: Andrea Gardner, International Rescue Committee case worker in Wichita, Kansas
 
“Why buy gifts for people who already have plenty when there are so many who do not?” 
 
That was the question circling the Thanksgiving table this year as my family began to talk about what to do for Christmas. Instead of exchanging gifts, we started a tradition that I hope will continue as the IRC’s new refugee resettlement office in Wichita grows. 
 
In celebration of their families' first holiday season in America, the 16 children the IRC has resettled in Wichita received a special gift.  
 
With my mother as the lead, my grandmother, aunts, uncles and cousins volunteered to fill 16 stockings with age- and gender-appropriate items for each child. The stockings had fun surprises like toys, puzzles and books — but also more practical items such as socks, gloves, pajamas and toiletries. Each stocking also included a $10 Walmart gift card, so that each child could go pick out something special!
 
I believe this small gesture made these refugee families feel welcomed in their new home. But it was also a blessing to my family to be a small part of making these families’ first holiday season in Wichita special.  
 
Follow the International Rescue Committee on Facebook  to learn more about the IRC's work in the United States and around the world — and see a photo album of the children and their presents that we plan to post on Christmas Day. 

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