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IRC staff member Emmanuel Ndayisenga, Victor, a friend, his father & mother and dog after unloading all $5,000 worth of donations at IRC.
Photo: IRC Seattle

Victor Xia, a high-school junior and Eagle Scout, knew he wanted to make an impact when tasked with a final service project (known as an “Eagle Project” in the Scout world). After speaking with an IRC staff member and learning about the needs of many newcomers, he made the decision to spearhead a project that would aid and welcome refugee families, survivors of human trafficking, and other new Americans. Victor put together a plan of action that would leverage his skills and community resources, and planned a series of donation drives, which would culminate in a distribution of goods to new Americans. 

Victor started with some community outreach by passing out flyers and tabling outside of the local grocery market, educating shoppers and encouraging them to donate. He then spent several weekends going door to door in his neighborhood, handing out more flyers and educating people about his project in the hopes that they would pitch in.

After several months of work, his thorough planning and canvasing led to over $5,000 in donated items. Victor, his friend, and his parents brought the items to IRC's office in Seattle. “It was immensely gratifying to see the fruits of our labor—diapers, pots and pans, coats—settling into storage together” says Victor. Soon, those goods will be distributed to newly arriving families and those in need. Bravo, Victor—IRC clients, staff, and the community are grateful for your amazing commitment! 

Are you interested in donating or organizing a donation drive?