Des Moines Sun

First United Methodist Church of Des Moines recently issued the following announcement.

Close your eyes and imagine for just a moment you have to leave your home with nothing more than the clothes on your back. You are then flown to a place where you don’t know anyone, you don’t speak the language and the customs seem strange. That is the situation faced by many refugees. The Outreach Committee at First Church has been in contact with Catholic Charities here in Des Moines. They are one of two organizations in the state currently helping with the resettlement of refugees, many of them from Afghanistan. In a recent 20 day period, they had to begin the resettlement process for 111 refugees. They are in need of our help. During this Advent season we have offered to help in the following ways: 

1. We will collect household items (towels, sheets, blankets, dishes, pots and pans, silverware, etc). These items do not need to be new but they must be in good shape. Please don’t donate items that are worn and should be tossed. 

2. We will collect personal hygiene items (deodorant, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, etc.) 

3. They are currently in desperate need of sofas and dining room tables and chairs. If you have either of these items, please let Christine know. Catholic Charities will pick them up. 

Each Sunday of Advent (November 28, December 5, 12, and 19) we will be collecting items. Please bring them to church and take them to the collection location in the church library. 

By donating, you can be a blessing to those who have just arrived in our state and are hoping to begin a new life.

Original source can be found here.