We expect to welcome 70 refugees (42 children) between November 22 -December 22!
On average, about 19 people per week through mid-January!
Click here to make a cash donation now
To schedule a donation of goods, email us at donations@iibuff.org or call (716) 883-1900 ext. 329.
We are finding their housing, meeting them at the airport, enrolling the kids in school, and linking the adults to English/employment classes. The federal government provides a very small amount to help us with this. Still, the fact is that every dollar we can save for the family is money they can put towards repaying the travel loan they took to come to the U.S. or to support their family in other ways, such as paying bills. This has a big impact on these refugee families as they embark on their life here in America.
On average, here are the costs:
Furniture for a family of 4, using used furniture and new beds (futon, 4 beds and frames, one lamp, kitchen table, and chairs) is about $900
Miscellaneous toiletries and cleaning supplies $100
Household goods (kitchen utensils, shower curtains, plates, bowls, pots pans, sheets, linens) is about $ 300
The minimum spent for a household set up for a family of four, is $3,300. That does not include other expenses the family will be required to pay in the first month such as bus passes, utilities, diapers, etc.
- Pots, pans, (Cannot be scratched Teflon)
- Drinking glasses (Please no wine glasses)
- Coffee mugs
- Soup bowls, dinner plates
- Rubbermaid bins (Large)
- Utensils (spoons, forks, knives)
- Paring knives
- Can openers
- Tea kettles (electric or stove top)
- Snow shovels
Furniture:
- Kitchen tables
- Kitchen chairs
- Small coffee tables
- Lamps
Linens
- New sheet sets (twin size or full),
- New pillows
- New blankets (twin or full)
IDEAS FOR WELCOMING KITS THAT CAN BE MADE FROM DOLLAR STORE ITEMS:
- Household helper: flashlight, batteries, 9v battery for smoke detector, bug spray, plunger, laundry detergent, umbrella, 60-watt lightbulbs
- Toiletry kits: shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, razors, shaving cream, menstrual pads
- Cleaning kits: toilet brush, kitchen cleaner, sponges, mop, bucket, paper towels
- First aid kit: Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, gauze, nail clippers, scissors, thermometer,
- School kit: paper, pens, backpack,
- Baby kit: bottle, sippy cup, wipes, toddler bowls and plates, eating utensils, wash clothes, outlet covers, baby shampoo/soap
- Kitchen kit: dish soap, dish towel, potholders, sponges, kitchen cleaner, small trash can, trash bags (13 gallon)
Click here to make a cash donation now