Many people ask us how to help Afghan Refugees. Here we describe five easy ways to help Afghan refugees. It does not have to be about how much money you have. There is a way for every American to help, no matter their personal wealth.
Our foundation was started by a family of Afghan refugees. The spark of the idea came from one of the family members, Mirriam Z. Seddiq. Feeling helpless to see Afghan collapse in the Summer of 2021, she went to her friends on Twitter and that is how a foundation was born.
Below is a video on how it all started.
Gently Used Donations for Afghan Refugees
We need gently used clothing donations. As do many other organizations around the US that are helping to support the needs of the tens of thousands of Afghan refugees that came to the United States in the summer of 2021. Our organization, the Komak Foundation, is a recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit so any donations are tax-deductible.
Right now we need clothes for young people and summer-appropriate. If you could please sign up here to drop off donations we would greatly appreciate it.
Help Afghan Refugees Through Monetary Donations
Komak, along with other organizations, always accepts monetary donations which you can give here. All of your donations are tax-deductible. We use our money donations in many different ways:
- Pay for our two part-time employees who run the donation center day-to-day. (They are also Afghan refugees!)
- Purchase new items when donation inventory is low.
- Pay for day-to-day operating costs of running our donation center.
Help Afghan Refugees Through Purchasing New Household Items
When Afghan refugees come to America they have nothing but the clothes on their backs. These families have to rebuild everything from scratch. Used clothing is always appreciated, but they need more.
We have created an Amazon wishlist that allows people to support Afghan refugees to get basic household goods like bedding, cutlery, pressure cookers, and blankets. You can purchase items from that list by clicking here.
How to Help Afghan Refugees – Political Advocacy
Immigration is a highly divisive issue in American politics. Although many politicians are trying to help the recent Afghan refugees, they face an uphill battle. They need your help.
Many of the Afghan refugees who came in the Summer of 2021 have no easy route to permanent residency in America. Some will apply for asylum, some are SIV visa eligible, and even more, have attempted humanitarian parole. Many applications have been denied.
The recently drafted adjustment act would offer a path for legal residency for Afghan refugees. Here is more on the law. The adjustment act is similar to other acts that have passed and are the soundest way to establish a pathway for Afghan refugees.
Click here to find out who your elected officials are and reach out to them to ask them to sponsor the act.
Volunteer to Help Afghan Refugees
Like other groups helping Afghan refugees, the Komak Foundation requires weekly volunteers to make our donation center run.
Our volunteers help stock shelves, greet refugees, and sort incoming donations. We literally could not do it without them.
If you would like to volunteer, sign up by clicking here.
Conclusion
We hope you found this list of ways how to help Afghan Refugees helpful.
If you would like to stay updated, click below to join our newsletter.