(Tucson, AZ) Pima County Public Library's Welcome to America Team, opens a new window is partnering with Tucson Afghan Community (TAC) and International Rescue Committee (IRC) to collect items for the Afghan refugees in Tucson. This donation drive begins today, January 10, 2022 and will run through February 10, 2022.
Items can be dropped off at 15 participating libraries:
- Dusenberry-River Library, opens a new window
- Eckstrom-Columbus Library, opens a new window
- Flowing Wells Library, opens a new window
- Himmel Park Library
- Joel D. Valdez Main Library, opens a new window
- Joyner-Green Valley Library, opens a new window
- Martha Cooper Library, opens a new window
- Miller-Golf Links Library, opens a new window
- Murphy-Wilmot Library, opens a new window
- Oro Valley Public Library, opens a new window
- Quincie Douglas Library, opens a new window
- Richard Elías-Mission Library, opens a new window
- Sahuarita Library, opens a new window
- Sam Lena-South Tucson Library, opens a new window
- Valencia Library, opens a new window
Donations most needed include new born essentials, personal hygiene items, household cleaning supplies, and small electric appliances. A complete list of most needed items can be found here, opens a new window. Small monetary donations (checks addressed to "Tucson Afghan Community") are greatly appreciated as well. Please note, new and/or gently used items will be accepted and large items (appliances and furniture) cannot be donated.
Do you have a large donation or a large-sized item you want to donate? Please email Tucson.afghan.community@gmail.com to find out how to donate those items. Please be patient, as the Tucson Afghan Community's volunteers are very busy with the library donation drive. It may take a little while to receive a response.
Irina Delone, Librarian at Miller-Golf Links Library and Welcome to America team member, was motivated to get involved during a time when the Library is limited in our ability to invite the community in for programming.
Tara Foxx-Lupo, Welcome to America team leader, says, "Tucson is experiencing an influx of Afghan refugees settling in the area. Due to recent political turmoil in Afghanistan, they are arriving in an accelerated manner different from a typical refugee resettlement process. In this time of crisis, the Tucson Afghan Community is calling for help to support the newly-arrived Afghan individuals and families. Some arrive with nothing but the clothes on their backs. We hope this effort to provide some daily necessities will be some help on the challenging road to starting life in a new country."
###
For more than 100 years, we’ve been here for people just like you. Today, in our libraries, online, or out in the community, our dedicated staff and volunteers are always looking ahead to help you find what you’re looking for. Every day, we’re making our mission a reality by educating and connecting people and inspiring ideas.
