It’s the season of giving here in the Ozarks, and some new members of our community could use your support!

After learning about the Afghan refugee families who are relocating to the Springfield area, we at The Mystery Hour wanted to do something to help. (Lending a hand to weary travelers looking for safe shelter has a Christmas vibe to it, no?)

The International Institute of Southwest Missouri (affiliated with International Institute of St. Louis) is working hard to help families get settled safely. We reached out and asked what could be the biggest help for them this season, and they had a delightfully specific answer: a van. 

There aren’t many holiday songs about transportation (other than sleighs, of course) but this need is an important one. Sometimes these arrivals happen with just 24-48 hours notice, so a reliable van makes a big difference in many ways: 
- Helping families travel from the airport
- Transporting groups safely without the need for multiple volunteers using personal vehicles 
- Everyday transportation for families, supplies, housewares—think of all the errands that are part of a move, then imagine moving halfway around the world while in crisis 

We couldn’t be more excited to support the effort this holiday season, and we hope you will join us by giving whatever amount you can! 

Funds will support repairs and maintenance on a donated vehicle, and if we can raise enough, help buy a quality used replacement. 


Read more about it: 
Afghan refugees could arrive in Springfield in a few weeks’ time--and they need help (News-Leader, Sept. 30, 2021) Read 

https://www.iistl.org/iismo 
The International Institute will help incoming Afghans secure housing, enroll in school, find access to healthcare, learn English, find jobs, and learn about American culture.