A Christmas welcome in Wichita

 

 

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.