Supplies for Refugees and Asylum Seekers

We're headed back to McAllen, TX in early April to deliver much-needed supplies and donations and to volunteer at the McAllen Humanitarian Respite Center. Run by Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, the center serves newly released immigrants seeking asylum in the US, who are in our country legally.

Each day up to 800 children and adults are randomly released by ICE and dropped off at the local bus station. Folks from the Respite Center invite the families to the center to receive basic services such as food, translation, clothes/shoes and needed supplies, a shower and a place to stay overnight. We think of it as a few hours of dignity, love and and compassion.

The families then go on to their sponsors throughout the U.S. to await their immigration hearings. They are not allowed to work, receive public services and must stay within a "geo-fenced" area. Adults are given ankle monitors, and are checked randomly by ICE for rule compliance.

We are raising funds to purchase much needed supplies for the Center, such as:

- Shoelaces (removed by ICE and not returned upon release)
- Practical shoes and clothing
- Winter jacket, hats and gloves
- Backpacks and totes for the bus rides
- OTC medications and healthcare supplies
- Baby carriers
- Hygiene and personal care items

NO FUNDS will go toward our personal travel expenses, hotel or meals. We personally ensure the items we purchase are distributed at the center.

The need is constant, and it is great. The New York Times recently reported on the crisis and highlighted the work being done at the Humanitarian Respite Center:   https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/05/us/border-crossing-increase.html

If you have any questions, please ask. Transparency is important.

Thank you so very much!

Allen Almodovar
Lauren Berman
Pamela Brice
Tricia Constandine
Teri Ervin
Nancy Gonzales
Terri Gonzales
Maribel Jim
Steven Marlin
Linda Parsel
Swati Ray
Leslie Truelove