Local volunteers collect clothing as part of Syrian refuge relief effort at Niccolls Church. They are, from left, Andi Smith, Connie Perry, Reggie Chambers, Sandra Booton, and Anne Garbarino. Photo by Gina Greco
Inlet resident Connie Perry has organized a group of volunteers to collect winter clothing and other needed items to ship to Greece for refugees forced to flee their homeland of Syria.
The effort is being held in conjunction with the charitable organization, Starfish Foun-dation.
All types of winter apparel is needed, specifically gloves and mittens of all sizes, and warm hats, Perry said.
Other requested items include men’s and women’s pants and sweatpants, new underwear, fleece blankets, waterproof outerwear and footwear, wool or fleece/synthetic blend socks, sleeping bags, backpacks, and child carriers.
Donated items should come washed and clean, then must be boxed up and shipped to the distribution center in Greece.
Niccolls Church is assisting with the project and will provide the space to help coordinate drop-offs and to sort and pack clothing.
A drop box will be available for residents of Inlet at the Town Clerk’s Office for donations as well.
In addition to the items mentioned above, the team is also seeking funds for shipping and import taxes, as well as for garbage bags (for lining the boxes), packing tape, and the boxes themselves.
Cash donations (no checks) can be dropped off at Niccolls Church, specifically earmarked for the “Refugee Effort.”
The initial sorting and packing effort began Thursday, February 4 at the Mission Boutique in the basement of Niccolls. Another will be held on Thursday, February 11 at 6:30 p.m., with others to follow as needed.
“The hardships these families have endured are probably incomprehensible to most of us. These fellow human beings, through no fault of their own, were born into a tumultuous land, and subsequently caught between armies of terrorists and the waning numbers of extended hands in the countries of Europe and the west. As concerned citizens of the world, we can and must assist, however we can,” Perry said.
For more information contact Connie Perry at (315) 357-6820 or Mary Brophy-Moore at 369-2554. More information about Starfish Foundation can be found at: www.asterias-starfish.org/en.
