Moorestown Residents Collecting For Afghan Refugees At Joint Base

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Members of the community continue to collect items for Afghan refugees who are being housed temporarily at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.

On Friday, Moorestown Deputy Mayor Sue Mammarella participated in a collection drive at the Moorestown Community House. A truck load of winter clothing, suitcases and culture specific items were delivered to the Joint Base Fort Dix for the Afghan refugees housed there, according to activist Saima Bhutta.

“They are still taking collections,” Mammarella said during Monday night’s council meeting. “They really need coats.”

They are also collecting food and shoes. Collection takes place at the Community House, 16 East Main Street in Moorestown, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.

In addition to the collection, Bhutta announced on social media that schooling for the refugee children and youth will begin Wednesday.

“This weekend at the Moorestown Community House, we were joined by the students and teachers from the Turkish Community Center who brought school supplies and helped us pack up school bags for the Afghans,” Bhutta said. “It was such an uplifting experience for all of us volunteers to see such energy and compassion.”

Refugees arrived at the Joint Base over the summer after U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan following a 20-year war triggered by the events of Sept. 11, 2001. Read more here: First Afghan Refugees Arrive At Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst

See related:

• Afghan Refugees Headed To Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst
• Afghan Refugees At Joint Base Beginning To Be Settled, Feds Say

Bhutta was one of 11 women who were recognized for their leadership and commitment to the community by Burlington County this year. She was recognized for her commitment to diversity and inclusion. Read more here: Moorestown Woman Found Passion To Help After 9/11 Attacks