Newark United Way Joins Afghanistan Refugee Donation Drive

NEWARK, NJ — A major donation drive spearheaded by United Way chapters across New Jersey will support the 9,500 Afghanistan refugees who recently arrived in the state.

The United Way of Greater Newark is among those participating in the drive, which will run until Sept. 30. It will be focused on meeting the “most urgent needs” of the families, such as diapers, personal care products, undergarments and cell phone chargers.

According to the United Way of Greater Newark:

“Since last week, nearly 9,500 Afghan refugees have arrived safely at Fort Dix, and need essential items to begin resettling in the United States. Donated items will help families and individuals settle and transition to a new life. All goods ordered will be shipped directly to Fort Dix for immediate distribution.”

Anyone interested in purchasing items can visit the You Give Goods wish list here. Monetary donations are not being accepted at this time, organizers said.

“The distressing images we’ve seen in the news of the desperate attempts of families to escape Afghanistan demonstrate how dire their situation is,” said Catherine Wilson, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Newark.

“These families fled their homes with just the clothes on their backs and what little they could carry, making our mission of helping them transition to life in the United States all the more essential,” Wilson said.

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