The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Garden City hosted its first community engagement event of the year on February 11th. Preparation for Valentine’s Day brought shoppers out to the grocery stores in town where they were greeted by IRC staff and volunteers.

Connie Smith, In-Kind Donation Coordinator for the IRC Garden City, was inspired to organize this event after noticing that upon arrival, the refugees we resettle have little or nothing at all. Before refugees arrive in Garden City, the IRC sets up apartments with basic household items. Shoppers at the event on Saturday were given pink cards containing a list of these items. They were encouraged to purchase them and add them to the IRC cart.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Within one hour, each cart at each grocery store location in town was completely full. At the end of the day, the IRC had piles of goods and over $800 in monetary contributions. The community learned more about the IRC, and donations are still pouring in. For more information about donating to the IRC in Garden City please email [email protected].