Help Support Syrian Refugees in NJ
Hello everyone! Thank you so much for taking the time to visit this page. My name is Kinan Tadmori and I'm from Berkeley Heights, NJ.
As you know the crisis in Syria has been going on for nearly 6 years and has destroyed homes, businesses, and entire cities, creating a refugee population of more than 4 million. Some of these refugees are lucky enough to be resettled in new locations, some are not.
About 75 Syrian refugees have been legally settled in the Camden, NJ area during the past few months. They are provided with financial assistance in the form of a place to live for a limited time (3 months), after which they will have to pay rent. My dad has been helping alongside the Islamic Society of Basking Ridge and the Catholic Charities of Camden in order to distribute donated items, meet the families, and provide much needed guidance and support. These families have been through inconceivable hardships, yet their spirits are high and they are enthusiastic about starting their lives here in the US.
We decided to set up this fundraiser to purchase some of these most highly needed remaining items. Or, if you have any of the bigger items in very lightly used/new condition and would like to donate them directly, let me know and I'll arrange for a way to get them from you.
Twin sized beds
Comforters
Couches, dressers, kitchen table chairs
Fitted bed sheets
Large pots/frying pans
Brooms/mops
Tall kitchen trash cans
Trash bags
Laundry detergent
Dish soap
Kitchen utensils
Bowls/Plates
Shower curtains and shower curtain rings
Shampoo/soap
Towels
Shaving razors
Diapers (Sizes 4, 5, & 6)
Local NJ Transit Bus Tickets
Internet access subscriptions
Additionally, any extra money from this fundraiser will be used to purchase a laptop for some of the refugees to share (nothing fancy, just something that is easy to use and in good condition). This may seem like a luxury, but not having one makes it extremely difficult to find work, learn English, and continue their education. Again, if you have a laptop in good condition that you would like to donate, please let me know. It would be a huge resource in helping them find jobs and adjusting to life here.
My dad has gotten to know some of refugees fairly well. They are incredibly resilient and hardworking. One woman is a widow from Homs, Syria, who just arrived in NJ in January after applying for immigration 2 years ago. She has a degree in English Literature, and is currently volunteering her time teaching English to the other Syrian refugees without pay. Another is a young man who was a second-year college student in Egypt after leaving Syria 3 years ago, but was unable to complete his education due to extenuating circumstances. He’s hoping to start working and to get back into college to continue his education. Another man is an expert in upholstery looking to apply his skill so he can support himself. If you are aware of work opportunities for any of the refugees in the Camden area, please let me know. Employment is the most valuable way to help them in gaining independence and feeling at home here.
My dad has been in contact with the refugees both by phone and in person. As mentioned, my family and I will use the money raised to purchase the items listed above, with priority placed on the most urgently needed items based on what the families tell us they need most. I will post updates when the money is withdrawn and spent showing you exactly what your donations were used for.
Thank you so much for your support. It really means a lot, and no donation is too small. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me!