Afghan Refugee Welcome Backpacks Planned By Vienna Presbyterian Church

VIENNA, VA — After strong support from the community for welcome kits provided to Afghan refugees, Vienna Presbyterian Church is sponsoring another effort.

Vienna Presbyterian is seeking volunteers to sign up and donate items for Welcome Backpacks for Afghan refugees as well as unaccompanied minors at the border. The church is working with Church World Service, one of the largest faith-based organizations assisting with refugee resettlement.

When Vienna Presbyterian Church coordinated Afghan Allies Welcome Home Kits in the late summer, it provided 130 kits that immediately went to families resettled in the DC area, according to the church's director of missions Sue Hamblen.

"I’ve never seen such an outpouring from the community – we were overwhelmed and grateful that so many wanted to help," Hamblen wrote to Patch.

With more refugees expected to arrive in the coming months to join their families, Welcome Backpacks will be prepared for December. These backpacks will contain essential items for unaccompanied minors and refugee families, such as food and water, children’s activities, a blanket, and basic hygiene items.

Residents can sign up to donate items or volunteer to assemble kits. Items can be dropped off at Vienna Presbyterian Church (124 Park Street NE, Vienna, VA) during the Church Street Holiday Stroll on Nov. 29 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as well as Dec. 2 from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Assembly of backpacks will happen on Dec. 5 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Vienna Presbyterian Church Great Hall.