Thousands of refugee and immigrant kids come to the United States and Canada each year. Most arrive with little more than the clothes on their backs. They come with their families who are escaping dangerous situations in other countries or who are trying to find a way to earn enough income to support their families. Can you imagine having to leave your home and your friends to travel thousands of miles away with less than you could carry in your backpack?

Disciples and UCC church members welcome refugee and immigrant families in many ways. Some refugee and immigrant families come by plane and are welcomed by their church sponsors or their relatives at airports. Some come by boat arriving off the coast of Florida and are welcomed by Church World Service. Some cross the Texas/Mexico border and are welcomed by Southwest Good Samaritans Ministries.

There are many things that you can do to help welcome refugee and immigrant children.

What you can do:

Learn about refugees and immigrants.

Pray for all the children and families who have to leave their homes because of danger or poverty.

Read a refugee story.

Read an immigrant story.

Make cards, write letters, draw pictures to welcome refugee kids.

• Your gifts will be forwarded on to organizations and sponsors who welcome refugee families.

Host a party for immigrant kids in your community.

• Both UCC and Disciples Kids can send welcome cards, letters and pictures and money gifts to:
  Kids to Kids
  P.O. Box 1986
  Indianapolis, IN 46206-1986

Fill backpacks

• You can fill backpacks with things that you think kids, who are refugees, will need in their new homes. Consider things such as school supplies, clothes, toys and books (in Spanish if possible).
  
  
• Send filled backpacks directly to:
  
  Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries
  28259 Pereira Compassion Road
  Los Fresnos, Texas 78566
  
  or
  
  Church World Service
  Immigration & Refugee Program
  1924 NW 84th Ave.
  Building 10, Beacon Center
  Doral, Florida 33126

 

How to Donate:

Send Money donations to:

KIDS to KIDS - Fill the Backpack
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, IN 46206-1986

Please make out checks to KIDS to KIDS.
Note on check that this is a donation for Fill the Backpack.

 

Let’s Hear From You!

Tell us what you have been up to.