The Mountain View United Church reportedly had a successful winter clothing donation drive over the weekend. The initiative was for the benefit of the Afghan refugees staying at a military base in Wisconsin.
The Aurora-based church held the donation drive from Oct. 16-17, as Sentinel reported. They received and sorted out the donations in the church building, located at 10770 E. Evans Ave.
In a Facebook post, Mountain View United Church (MVUC) said the first day of the charity event was a success.
The church said more than 67 donors dropped off a mix of new and preloved winter clothes for the Afghan refugees. They reportedly fill 39 boxes and 25 bags of assorted clothes and winter essentials.
MUVC also expressed gratitude to those who volunteered to sort, fold, and box the donations. Some of the volunteers came from the following groups and organizations:
- Metropolitan Denver Association of the United Church-Christ
- African Leadership Group
- Aurora Police Department
- Office of Rep. Iman Jodeh
- Office of Aurora City Council Member Juan Marcano
The church also thanked Columbine United Church and Sandoval Tree Care for providing packing boxes and tapes.
As mentioned, the donation drive will have one last run on Monday, Oct. 18. After which, the items will be given to more than 13,000 refugees stationed at Fort McCoy’s military base.
Last-minute Effort
According to the Sentinel, the idea of a winter clothes donation drive started from Aurora Police Department officer Abdul Syidi.
His brother reportedly works as a translator for the military at Fort McCoy. Syidi’s brother told him that the Afghan refugees need warm clothes and other supplies to survive winter.
After that, the officer reportedly reached out to Aurora State Rep. Iman Jodeh, who suggested having a clothing donation drive.
“When they left, and we all saw it on the TV. They were leaving with the clothes on their back, and that’s it,” Syidi told 9News.
“There was no time to pack up and take your family memorabilia or photos or any of those things that are important to all of us, right. And they left that stuff behind just to come with a t-shirt on their back that’s hard,” he added.
MUVC Lead Pastor Tracy Hughes told the Sentinel that Representative Jodeh called her about it. He asked if the church could conduct a last-minute donation drive, to which the pastor immediately said yes.
“I said absolutely, we’re doing it. It’s sharing God’s abundance,” Hughes said.
Generous Coloradans
During the first day, the report said the church had already received an outpouring of donations. Some of the donated items include sweaters, coats, hats, gloves, and adult clothes.
The Aurora police officer claimed that Coloradans have always been generous and welcoming to others.
“The community is coming together. It is a multi-faith effort trying to help out refugees that came from Afghanistan recently in the last few weeks,” Syidi said. “Colorado has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees,” he added.
Syidi reportedly plans to trek to Wisconsin next week to hand-deliver the truckload of donations to his brother and refugees in need.
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