Dear Friends and Supporters:

As local residents of Belmont, MA, we continue to coordinate support for the Bakhshi family of four, who fled Afghanistan in 2021, leaving behind their extended family and the only life they knew. The family continues to persevere despite the many challenges they face.

Amin continues to work at Trader Joe's with his son, Ali, a rising junior in high school, joining him there on weekends. Zakirah offers seamstress and meal preparation services and continues to work on her English language skills. Both parents seek additional work. Asma is pursuing college, having graduated from high school recently.

We are fundraising at time time to ease the family's continued financial burden (including housing, transportation, groceries, utilities), exacerbated by rising costs and the uncertainty of their SNAP benefits. They also seek the donation of a second car, as all of the family members will be driving soon and employment is not always accessible by public transportation.

Two donors have offered a matching donation of $10,000. Our goal is to raise an additional $18,000 to supplement the family's budget for the next year or more.

The family continues to be deeply grateful for all support given.

With deep gratitude in advance for your generosity. Any amount you can give is most appreciated.

Warm regards,

Fran and Shelley