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Migration and Refugee Services is an affiliate of the United States Conference of
Catholic Bishops' Migration and Refugee Services (USCCB/MRS). It
receives limited discretionary funding from USCCB/MRS. It also receives
grants from the United States Department of State, and the Department
of Health and Human Services Office of Refugee Resettlement. Some of
these grants require matching funds donations. At the local and state
level MRS is funded by the State of Arizona Office of Refugee
Resettlement as well as private donations from individuals, churches,
community organizations and businesses. Administrative support is
provided by Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona.
Donations
Make a Material or Cash Donation to Assist a Refugee
Refugees
usually flee their homelands with only what they can carry. They have
to start new lives in America literally from scratch, with no resources.The
newcomers are often astounded at the generosity of their sponsors and
others. Sometimes they ask, "Why are these people doing all this for
us? Why are they helping us?" Your donations of material goods and cash
are ways to show that you care.
Cash/Check Donations
A
cash donation has the advantage of allowing us to immediately channel
resources to those in need. Cash or check donations are especially
valued because resources from government agencies are limited and some
government funding requires matching donations from private sources.
Please make checks payable to:
Migration and Refugee Services/Catholic Social Service
140 W. Speedway Ste. 130, Tucson, Arizona 85705
Thank You!
Here are some examples of what your donation can buy
| $10-$50 |
$75 |
$100 |
$150 |
$250 to $600 |
| Paper products and cleaning supplies |
Children's seasonal clothing and shoes |
Utilities for one month |
Deposits for utility accounts |
Housing deposit or rent for one month |
| Infants' clothing and needs |
Food |
| Emergency medical/dental fund |
Employer Matching Program:
If your employer has a matching gift program, please send us the appropriate form.
Gifts In Honor or In Memory Of:
To
mark your contribution in honor of or in memory of a friend or family
member, please include their name and address so we can properly inform
them or their heirs.
Donations of Materials Goods
MRS
is always in need of furniture, appliances, toys, computers, TV’s and
various items for newly arrived refugee families. Please consult the
information below for suggested items. The items should be new or in
good, clean condition. We can arrange a delivery to pick up donated
items but because of our limited resources and manpower, delivery by
the donor is much appreciated. MRS can provide a receipt for items
received for tax purposes. The lists here are general suggestions that
you can adapt for the needs of specific newly arrived families.
Household Furnishings and Equipment
Essential Furniture
Beds
Kitchen table and chairs
Sofa
Coffee table
End tables
Lamps
Chest of drawers or dresser Television set |
For the Bedroom
1 alarm clock
2 pillows
2 pillowcases
Sheets for double or single beds Blankets
Quilts or bedspreads
Clothes hangers |
For the Bathroom
2 bath towels
2 hand towels
2 washcloths
Shower curtain and rings
4 rolls of toilet paper
2 bars of soap
2 toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Shampoo
Deodorant
First-aid kit
Thermometer
Laundry detergent
Medium-sized laundry basket Small wastebasket
Scouring cleanser |
For the Kitchen
4 place settings of glasses, forks, spoons and knives;
several sizes of plates and soup bowls
2 kettles
1 large stew pot
1 frying pan
1 teapot
1 large knife
1-can opener
1 paring knife
3 plastic containers
Potholders
1 container of dish soap
2 dishcloths
1 can scouring cleanser
1 new large garbage container,
into which all of the above can be placed |
School Packs
You
can help newly arrived refugee children get a good start by donating
items they'll need in school. Please use only new items for each school
pack. Include exactly what is listed below, so that each child receives
the same materials.
Elementary School Packs
6 pencils
6 ballpoint pens
3 erasers
1 ruler with metric and standard markings
1 box colored pencils
8 washable markers
24 crayons
1 bottle white glue
1 safety scissors
3 folders with pockets
1 package loose-leaf paper
2 3/8-inch ruled tablets
1 box tissue paper
1 child's backpack, into which the items can be packed |
Secondary School
Pack 6 pencils
6 ballpoint pens
1 three-ring binder
3 spiral notebooks
8 folders with pockets
1 backpack, into which the items can be packed |
Donating a Car:
If
you have a usable car, consider donating to MRS. It goes without saying
how much your gift would be appreciated by the familiy and by this
agency. We will give it to a new refugee family and you will receive
the Blue Book tax deduction.
Donating Storage Space:
MRS seeks storage space in the central part of Tucson to store furniture and household goods donations.
Reduced or Free Temporary Rent:
If
you have an apartment or house that you would be willing to rent at a
reduced (or free) rate on a temporary or permanent basis we would be
very appreciative.
Time Donations
Donate
your time as an MRS Volunteer! You've undoubtedly heard of the
expression "time is money." Well, here at MRS, we know the value of the
countless hours donated by our volunteer staff. Those hours add up to
be a very significant part of our financial picture. We welcome the
donation of your time to help us with our resettlement efforts.
Group Donations
Your
Church, Congregation, or Community Organization might want to make
donations as a group. Organize a fundraiser for refugees or a 'refugee
shower' along the lines of a bridal shower. Each person brings an item
the new family will need and, depending on the circumstances, has the
opportunity to meet the new family, hear about their experiences and
make them feel welcome in the Church, Congregation or Community.
This is a great opportunity for a group to build community by working
on a common project together. Some groups hold a 'refugee shower'
before the refugee arrives and then also take the opportunity to set up
the refugee's apartment. Others hold fundraisers and later on meet with
some of the refugees that their donated funds benefited. There are also
groups that view fundraising and seeking material donations as simply
one part of the resettlement process and also volunteer to work with
refugees, assisting with English tutoring, cultural orientation, and
other tasks.
For more information contact:
Ferdinand Lossou at (520) 623-0344 ext. 1012
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