As temperatures start to drop this month, the Resettlement Shop at the IRC in Baltimore is launching its annual winter clothing drive. Donations of coats, sweaters, closed-toe shoes, and warm accessories will ensure that no refugee adult or child will face the cold weather without adequate protection.
Throughout the year, the Resettlement Shop relies entirely on donations to provide free clothing and household goods to refugee clients. Forced to flee persecution and conflict in their home countries, many refugees have spent years living in refugee camps and arrive with very few personal possessions. As these clients visit the shop, the shop coordinator and a team of volunteers ensure that they meet or make steps to meet every person’s need. In June, these requests may include sandals and window fans, but as the months pass, demand rises for hats, gloves, and warm layers.
Contributions of coats in particular allow our staff to have winter jackets on hand to give to refugees as soon as they arrive at the airport in Baltimore. By literally warming these men, women, and children up to their new home, such donations help refugee clients meet their basic needs, conserve limited resources, and ultimately become successful new Americans.
Please consider enlisting your friends, relatives and colleagues on a joint donation project to support refugee families in their critical first months in the United States.
Winter Clothing Needs (Children and Adult Sizes):
Winter Coats (especially smaller sizes)
Long Pants
Long Sleeve Shirts
Sweaters/Sweatshirts
Hats/Ear Muffs
Gloves/Mittens
Scarves
Boots
Closed-toed Shoes
Socks
All donations must be clean, gently used, and in good condition. If you wouldn’t buy an item in the same condition from a thrift store, please don’t donate it.
Donations can be dropped off during regular business hours at the Baltimore Resettlement Center, 3516 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD 21224. The entrance to the Resettlement Shop is around the corner, next to the mural, on Conkling Street.
If you have questions or want more information, please do not hesitate to contact Kim McCormick (kim.mccormick@rescue.org), Resettlement Shop Coordinator.
