THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY!  We are on the home stretch to complete the Welcome Kit with extras.  The linked list below is all that remains to fill our project.  
The Grand Island Rotary, as well as other organizations in western New York, are assisting Journey’s End and three other local agencies, who are in the process of resettling 335 Afghan refugees. These refugees will be making Buffalo their new home. They will account for more than one third of those coming to New York State in the resettlement of Afghan Refugees who were air lifted from Afghanistan in the final days of the war.
 
Andy Cammarata from Journey’s End, said these refugees will not be receiving much government assistance in stocking their living spaces with the bare essentials.  Therefore, she explained, WNY agencies need to bridge the transition from leaving with the clothing on their backs to setting up homes here along with funds for legal expenses.  
Cammarata requested the Rotary Club of Grand Island join in the effort by collecting items the State department require in the “Welcome kit for resettlement” (see list below).  
 
The Rotary club on behalf of Journey’s End is asking Grand Island residents to help in this endeavor by contributing items from the list of items making up the “Welcome Kit”, which are more specifically set forth in the list as shown herein.
Items may be dropped off at the Grand Island Memorial Library during their operating hours. 
 
You can also DONATE directly to the Resettlement fundraiser- https://www.wnyrac.org
If you have any questions.  Call Richard Earne at 716-773-6346 or email enrae.richard@gmail.com  Identify yourself and what you can contribute. 
 
Welcome Kit List remaining needed items - 
 
Linen and Other Household Supplies
  • Shower Curtain and Shower Liner and hooks (new)
Cleaning Supplies (should all be new and in original packaging
  • Box of big trash bags
  • Broom w/dustpan for broom and/or Mop w/bucket
Kitchen Items (most can be gently used but clean and not chipped)
  • All Items Filled
Toiletries (only in original packaging and new, and family-size please. Multiples of toiletries are most welcome!)
  • All Items Filled
Helpful Items NOT On Required List, but if you have them lying around and are in clean/good/working condition or new, would be wonderful additions.
  • Extension Cord
  • Dictionary
  • Electric Fan (if possible, several box fans for bedrooms)
  • City map
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Basic tool box
  • Working toaster oven (used and clean is fine)
  • Plastic wrap and foil (new)
  • Grocery Gift Card to PriceRite, SaveALot, or Tops (any amount helps!)
Please email enrae.richard@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns.
All items on this list can be dropped off at the Grand Island Memorial Library c/o GI Rotary