HOW DO WE RESPOND: REFUGEE CRISIS
In Meltham, Huddersfield, the Churches Together Group donated this week’s takings from their charity shop, The Crossroads Mission to the refugee crisis and last night the trustees and local town council agreed to open the Carlile Institute on Huddersfield Road for donations of much needed tents, camping equipment, practical clothing and sanitary and medical items.
Revd Charlene Smith, assistant priest, explained: “This crisis has touched people in an emotional and spiritual way. Once the Carlile opened, we had 50 bags of goods turn up overnight and we've had a steady stream of donations throughout the day. People are genuinely upset about what’s going on.
The shocking image of the lifeless young Syrian boy washed up on a Turkish beach as his family attempted to flee to Europe has prompted renewed action in the refugee crisis and created a storm on social media as people ask how can they help.
The Meltham Churches Together group is in contact with Kent based charity, Seeking Sanctuary, who are working on the ground in the camps with the refugees.
And on Oct 3 they will hold a prayer vigil from 10am to 10pm when they will offer up prayers for the refugees and petitioned from the refugees.
Donations of money are always useful but items needed and that can be dropped off are: two-skin tents that can survive bad weather, tarpaulins, canvas sheets, wooden pallets, rope, chairs and stools; bedding including sleeping bags, blankets, camp beds, roll mats, pillows and pillow cases.
Also needed are practical clothing, trainers, walking shoes, boots, wellies, socks, jackets, shirts, underwear, waterproof jackets, trousers and hats
Sanitary and medical items are required including anti-bacterial products, cleaning products, basic toiletries (soap, deodorant, towels, kitchen paper, toilet paper, razors, shaving products, sanitary towels etc), basic first aid kits, wipes, rubbish bags/bins.
Donations are also needed of cooking items such as tinned food, can openers, flour, cooking oil, salt, paper, spices, containers for storing/carrying water, coffee, tea, sugar, pans etc, sponges, washing up liquid, cooking utensils, mugs, plates, bowls and cutlery.
Other items that can help include LED wind-up torches, umbrellas, tools, wood, tape, second hand compact cameras, plus books, games, pens and paper for children.
Read Bishop Nick’s latest blog on the refugee crisis here and the Archbishop of Canterbury’s message today.
Nick Baines: Refugee crisis in Europe
https://nickbaines.wordpress.com/2015/09/03/refugee-crisis-in-europe/
Plus there is an article in the Church Times about the work of Seeking Sanctuary.