At the IRC in San Diego, compassion and care are at the heart of what we do. Your community support is a beacon of hope for families affected by devasting humanitarian crises as they rebuild their lives in San Diego. 

We invite you to play an important role this holiday season by donating materials on these Amazon Wish Lists for our newest refugee and asylum-seeking neighbors. Your support will significantly enhance these families' quality of life, providing essentials always in short supply. All items purchased on these Amazon Wish Lists will be sent directly to our San Diego office for immediate distribution to our clients. 

Priorities and Needs this Holiday Season

Refugee Resettlement Needs: CLICK HERE for Amazon Wishlist 1

Focus Area: Household supplies

"The Resettlement Program welcomes new refugee arrivals and supports them with securing safe and furnished homes to stay. We often find that our needs outweigh our supply. We expect 525 new arrivals to be resettled by the IRC this coming year. A warm bed and a safe home go a long way to improve the quality of life, especially during the holidays as winter approaches. IRC cannot do this work alone! Please check out our refugee families' top materials of need requested this holiday season and into the New Year."

- Lauren, Resettlement Volunteer and Donations Specialist

Top Asylum Seekers and Families Needs: CLICK HERE for Amazon Wishlist 2

Focus Area: Hygiene items and materials to keep warm

"This winter, let's come together to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our asylum-seeking clients. Your donation can be a lifeline for those facing the bitter cold without adequate protection. By contributing today, you're not just providing essential items – you're offering hope and comfort during a challenging season. Help us make a difference and show that compassion knows no boundaries. Join us in supporting asylum seekers as they navigate the winter months, turning a moment of need into a season of warmth and care. Together, we can make this winter a little brighter for those seeking safety and a new beginning!"

- Veronica, IRC Asylum Seekers Casework Supervisor

Critical Materials for Survivors of Trauma: CLICK HERE for Amazon Wishlist 3

Focus Area: Household basics and gifts for young children

"In a world where safety should be fundamental, thousands of San Diegans find themselves trapped in abusive and unhealthy relationships or unsafe, threatening conditions where they continue struggling to overcome these challenges, seeking safety for themselves and their kids. With your support of this Wish List, we can all continue offering hope, advocacy, and ongoing comprehensive support to vulnerable communities struggling with daily life needs. Let us all continue standing by survivors and their families in San Diego during these challenging times. Love, respect, and care can end violence. We appreciate you joining us in this movement to support ALL those needing empowerment."

- Afrah, IRC Senior Survivor Advocate

Refugee Food Pantry and Nutrition Needs: CLICK HERE for Amazon Wishlist 4

Focus Area: Shelf-stable culturally preferred food

"Holidays are important worldwide and especially for our clients. Food and home go hand in hand. That's why this holiday season, we are asking for support from the community in buying food that is culturally preferred and requested by our very own clients. We need items in the food pantry that bring a sense of belonging and community. Please support IRC and our clients in accessing the food they need, want, and deserve. Happy Holidays from the IRC RIPE Food Pantry!"

- Jillian, IRC Food and Nutrition Specialist

Refugee Youth Program Needs: CLICK HERE for Amazon Wishlist 5

Focus Area: School supplies and classroom snacks

"Please help support the IRC Youth Program to ensure all students have access to healthy snacks and the school supplies they need! Multiple studies have linked hunger to learning outcomes, emphasizing that children typically have less energy and the ability to focus when they are hungry. Most students depend on school-provided meals during the day, and with your support, IRC can guarantee they have additional nutrition to sustain their after-school learning. Together, we can ensure that all IRC youth clients feel their best and are set up for success!"

- Daria, IRC San Diego Youth Program Supervisor

Thank you for your support on behalf of all of us at the IRC in San Diego!

If you would like a thank you follow-up and/or Contributions In-Kind Receipt for tax purposes or record keeping, please email [email protected] with the details of your purchase (item and amount) so IRC can send it to you.

We also encourage you to leave a note with your gift that includes your name, email, and phone # so we can thank you for your donation!