Wisconsin Organizations Seek Donations For Afghan Refugees

WISCONSIN — Some 8,700 refugees are staying at Fort McCoy after fleeing the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, and as many as 13,000 will end up there, the base announced Friday.

Local social and nongovernmental organizations are seeking money, clothing, food and other items, as well as volunteers, to help clothe and feed people who arrive from Afghanistan.

See Also: More than 8,700 Afghan Refugees Being Treated At Fort McCoy

Here are some of the organizations helping refugees at Fort McCoy and what they are looking for.

Team Rubicon, a nonprofit organization working at the base, will accept new or gently used clothing for Afghan people who arrived at Fort McCoy, the base said. It will take seasonably appropriate clothing for infants, children, women and men, it added.

People can drop off donations for Team Rubicon at the Sparta Armory, 602 E. Division St. in Sparta. Donations are accepted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. seven days a week, the base said.

The Islamic Society of Milwaukee is looking for traditional clothing for refugees, such as shalwars for men and scarves for women, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported. The group is also looking for children's clothing in all sizes and new undergarments for adults and children.

The group will take clothing donations at 4707 S. 13th St. in Milwaukee and cash donations online.

The Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan is also working to help resettle refugees. The organization is accepting money and donations of food and hygiene kits. The organization is also looking for volunteers as sponsors for transportation and recreation.

The organization will take money both online and through the mail at P.O. Box 88868, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53288. Potential donors with personal hygiene kits and gift card donations can email Sarah Halstead, the organization said. Interested volunteers can also reach out to a separate email address.

Following are websites from other resettlement organizations with instructions on how to help.

• Jewish Social Services.
• Catholic Charities of La Crosse.
• World Relief Fox Valley.
• Milwaukee Muslim Women's Coalition.
• The International Institute of Wisconsin.