December 2016 - Give InKind

15 Things Your Local Food Bank Always Needs

Food banks are a valuable community resource for those in urgent need of temporary assistance. Many people among us want to extend support those in need. Managing community efforts to help with donations in kind is a welcome challenge for food banks – tasked with sifting through concrete efforts to help others. This underscores the very best of ourselves living communally.

For those wishing to give effectively, consider these points. Generally, think about efficiency and space. Food pantries have limited storage space – so giving necessary items that will turn over quickly is a terrific thing to do. Don’t forget non-food items that are absolutely necessary – pantries accept these things as well.

Here are some specific ideas.

Food banks need canned meat. Food banks can almost always use canned meat. Many report a surplus of things like tuna fish or soup – so consider items like ham, beef, or salmon.
Food banks need canned vegetables. Food banks can almost always use canned vegetables. They report a surplus of items like beans – so consider canned peas, carrots, or beans.
Food banks need canned fruit. Food banks can almost always use canned fruit. They report a surplus of canned pineapple. So think twice on the pineapple. Consider instead fruits canned without excess sugar. Dried fruit – such as raisins, apricots, dates – is also extremely useful.
Meals ready to eat that require only water to prepare. Mixes that require an additional key ingredient (such as meat) tend not to be useful – and can end up taking up valuable space.
Non-sugary cereals. Cereals that are actually healthy are hugely helpful to families in need.
Peanut Butter. Other nut butters as well. Protein laden and delicious.
Instant Cereal. Instant oatmeal, instant cereals that require only water to prepare.
Pasta. Pasta and pasta sauce are a delicious, quick and easy dinner for a family.
Evaporated Milk. Cans, cartons, boxed evaporated milk is always very useful.
Healthy snacks for kids. Snacks for kids to bring to school – apple sauce, granola bars, etc.
Toiletries. These are a necessity for personal use – and often a budget buster for people trying to attain more economic flexibility. Help them to bust out of the catch-22.
Baby supplies. Another budget buster. Diapers, wipes – always gone fast.
Sliced Bread. Bread lasts a good long time and is always snapped right up.
Kitchen staples. Salt, pepper, spices. Hard to cook without and often inadvertently neglected by generous donors.
Chocolate. Some would argue that chocolate is not a necessity. Others (yours truly) would argue otherwise.

Go above and beyond by organizing a designated InKind Page for your local food bank.

You can work with the intake coordinator to determine what kinds of support would be best, like gift cards or even scheduling specific volunteer hours or drop-off times. Sharing the page with communities online can generate support from an even wider population, including those who would like to support but are unable to be there in-person. Learn more about creating an InKind Page for a group giving effort, or get started creating an InKind Page today.

Aleppo, Refugees: When Water is Safer Than Land

Years ago, I worked as an Asylum Program Officer for Human Rights First, an organization that provided free legal assistance to indigent refugees seeking political asylum in the United States.

The news feels overwhelmingly terrible lately. The photographs of children fleeing violence in Syria haunt us. A boy covered in dust and rubble – stunned in the back of an ambulance makes me weep. An iconic photo of a drowned toddler washed up a beach are burned in our collective memory. In the last days, Aleppo is an apocalypse. Stories I hear on the radio include a 9 year-old-boy, orphaned nobody knows when, who has been surviving in that Syrian city by running water for an indeterminate amount of time. Children waiting to evacuate no longer cry.

It is so easy to feel defeated. Don’t. There are things we can all do to assist refugees. This is why we can. And this is why we should. It feels insufficient to find enough power in the simple expression of gratitude. If it is true that the world instructs us in a deficit of human kindness and what happens in a vacuum where wars explode and governments fail, so too does it show us what happens when private citizens step up.

I worked for years wth refugees. I know that effective assistance to refugees changes lives – and strengthens the fabric of our society.

When I interviewed refugees, I kept a stash of crayons in my desk. I gave them to children because I did not want these children to hear their parents recount their stories – of torture, imprisonment, and the rape to which many had been subjected. So many refugees are women and their children.

I have now in my mind an image of their small hands grasping crayons. They drew sad and often disturbing pictures that somehow managed to hint strangely toward the life affirming. They drew stick figures of people smiling in the midst of gunfire that was not imaginary.

Refugee law is quite narrow and restrictive. Refugees and asylum seekers are a comparatively small group in overall immigration to the United States. We are rightly proud of a legacy of protection. We as a nation have offered protection imperfectly but we have done it. We should be proud.

There are few harder ways to gain admission to the United States. Refugees are the most vetted group of applicants for admission. Those who flee to the United States to seek asylum are often the very most imperiled.

The clients with whom I worked often faced imminent death, torture or imprisonment. In order to establish grounds for refugee/asylum status applicants must provide extensive evidence and testimony detailing why they would be singled out for persecution on account of their race, their religion, their membership in a social group, or their political opinion.

It is late as I am writing this. I am thinking of the heroes I have known. The larger things I have seen in the world of refugee protection – family reunions at airports, a beautiful communion dress on a lovely little girl, a picture – these things feel smaller to me tonight because the world can feel hard.

And still. I must remind that just and effective refugee policy does save lives. As a mother of small children I join in the horror of millions of other mothers and fathers who have seen images from Aleppo and other seemingly far-flung places – and are aghast.

In our shock and our feelings of helplessness, I remember that there are so many heroes working on behalf of refugees to change the ending. I urge others to resolve to help them. The Somali poet Warsan Shire wrote:

“You have to understand that no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.”

Let us do right. Let us step up. Let us lead by example and inspire our own children to take action in the face of human catastrophe. All the parties are better for it.

Here are organizations you can support doing work abroad with the internally displaced populations and victims of conflicts, as well as with efforts to get them safe haven.

The Norwegian Refugee Council – Syria Program

The International Committee of the Red Cross – Syria Program

Doctors Without Borders – Syria Program

Should you wish to support U.S.- based resettlement efforts, or support for legal advocacy on their behalf contact Human Rights First, or a local church, mosque, or synagogue to learn which local outfits are currently active. Consider donating gift cards to resettlement organizations so that they can purchase necessary items.

5 Ways To Support Newly Resettled Refugees

When refugees are being resettled in the United States, their needs are pressing – but specific. The lovely impulse that we have to reach out and help is among our best qualities. Still, taking a moment to identify specific needs is very helpful.

Providing effective assistance to refugees reveals our best selves. Refugees have demonstrated that they have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of their race, religion, nationality, membership in a social group or political opinion. Put simply, this means they are likely to be killed, imprisoned or harmed because of who they are, or what they think – think Chinese pro-democracy activists, journalists in a country that restricts freedom of the press – and so on.

The editorial staff at Give InKind is well versed in refugee resettlement. Here are five things to understand in offering assistance to recently resettled refugees. The products suggested within this post are items that are very often required. If you are working with a community organization to help, do reach out what particular needs they have. Necessary items are likely to be impacted by seasonal considerations, and more. Certain gift cards are hugely helpful as they provide an easy way for refugee recipients to make their own choices. They may need some help navigating a box store, though – see below.

If you want to help, consider these points. Above all, know that while refugees need things, they also need allies.

Refugees are beginning with few assets or possessions. Understand that refugees tend to arrive with almost nothing. People in stable countries don’t always understand is that many refugees never had any specific plan about when they would leave, or where they would go. Many flee suddenly – even as rebels or government forces advance on villages. Individual flights from harm can be dangerous and halting. At journey’s end, a go-bag is likely to contain very little.
Countries who receive refugees have highly variable levels of assistance to new refugee arrivals. Some countries provide some social services, whereas other provide none. In the United States, there are some limited funds are available to those who are admitted as refugees. These funds are not available to people who have pending applications for political asylum. (The substantive criteria is the same – those who are admitted as refugees have had their cases examined prior to their arrival in the United States, whereas asylum seekers request asylum protection after their arrival). Both of these groups tend to rely, in some part, on the efforts of non-governmental organizations to offer initial assistance.
Depending upon the age and country of origin of a refugee, they may need assistance in learning about how things work. Conveniences we take for granted – microwave ovens and blenders are not household items in many countries. Take a few moments to make sure people are getting used to navigating everything. A garbage disposal can be mystifying. Give them a tour of their kitchens – and more. Be a good accompanier.
Refugees are at heightened risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) Depression and feelings of being overwhelmed are common. Many people report a surge in PTSD symptoms – apparently “after the fact.” After they are “safe.” Understand that this makes sense if you consider that their arrival signals their first opportunity to process traumatic memories, integrate grief – and work toward the scaffolding of a new life. Ask how people are – and give them the time to tell you. I knew a refugee once who stopped talking about his experiences in flight not because they caused him additional pain to articulate, but because he sensed he made people uncomfortable.
Refugees are about the most resilient people on earth. They tend to succeed in a country that takes them in. They tend to be become extremely patriotic. They are incredibly resourceful and don’t forget their early supporters.

Little Feet Community Preschool: Teaching Compassion & Kindness

To enter Little Feet Community Preschool is to be instantly at home. Patty O’Connor, legendary child whisperer and Director, meets and greets each child at the door. Preschoolers rush her with little treasures they cannot wait to share, clutched in their hands. A tiny bird’s nest, projects still heavy with wet glue – are daily thrust at her. To each child she expresses absolute and sincere interest. She sees their unfurling – and she meets them where they are.

The ethos of the school is best described in their mission statement:

“Our primary goal at Little Feet is simple and straightforward: inspire a love for learning within a caring community of friends … Our Little Feet program is designed to support global ideas of tolerance, open-minded principles and inclusive communication. Through a hands-on, non-competitive learning environment and a curriculum which emphasizes natural science and global awareness, we strive to partner with parents in building a strong ethical, empathic and socially aware foundation.”

Little Feet Community reflects the best of preschool education. Under Patty’s direction, the school is a true sanctuary for learning and caring. The curriculum weaves through kindness, empathy, and the joys of friendship.

littlefeet2 — Learning together is the most fun of all.

In Patty’s classroom no child is judged and every difference is embraced. Children fall over each other to help one another. Simultaneously, kinesthetic learning about the arts and sciences is continually rolled out. Songs are sung and dances danced. Who knew that learning about bodies could be so straight up happy?

Even as I write this, I remember – and start humming – my favorite song from the Little Feet cannon.

“Internal organs, internal organs, what would I be without internal organs?”

In keeping with her mission statement, Patty strives always to have schedules of payment and tuition levels that can accommodate economic diversity.

Please visit the custom Wishlist by Little Feet Community Preschool to learn what items are perennially useful to this gem of community resource. Orders can be placed and shipped directly. Voila!

Photographs courtesy of Little Feet Community Preschool. Used with Permission.

This is part of a series Give InKind editorial staff will be writing to highlight the essential work of community-based organizations focusing on the arts, education, social services, and more. The series will focus on the heroes among us – staff at these community-based organizations who work to lift others up. They are the unsung heroes. We all know them. Let’s celebrate them. Would you like to list the needs of your organization to our free-for-use Wish List? Would you like to nominate an organization for profile? E-mail us at [email protected].

Astor Services For Children & Families: Helping Traumatized Children Heal and Thrive

Astor Services for Children and Families rehabilitates foster children who have experienced severe abuse and trauma. The organization operates as a non-profit organization and receives government funding through the New York State Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children & Family Services which is located in Rhinebeck, New York.

Sonia Barnes-Moorhead, Executive Vice-President of Astor Children’s Foundation, explains that the organization accepts foster children who have not been successfully placed with a family. Ironically, many placements have failed as the result of their trauma histories.

Barnes-Moorehead describes the rehabilitative and therapeutic center as the “last stop before hospitalization.” Children are often referred by foster care advocates. They live on premises. They receive extensive therapeutic services. These services include art therapy, education, and outdoor sports and activities such as fishing and gardening. Many of these services have been supported by local volunteers.

astor2

Barnes-Moorehead emphasizes the positive impact of an involved community to tell the story of an organization and to raise their local profile. Families for Astor has already planned a number of events including a theatrical reading by renowned actors and local residents including Hilarie Burton and Jeffrey Dean Morgan.

jeffandhilgs

Barnes-Moorehead reminds:

“We need the community to help and to enhance what we provide. Because our kids deserve the best – and when they are in our care, they are our children.”

Children range in age from five years old to fourteen years old, with a median stay of eighteen months.

Barnes-Moorehead describes a typical residential case:

“Brothers Anthony and Jacob came to Astor’s residential program after suffering a high degree of trauma in their home. Parental rights were terminated. Their history was marred by neglect and abuse. Fast forward a couple of years – Anthony plays on the Little League baseball team and loves to paint. Jacob donated one of his cars so that ‘another child can also use it.’ These boys have the biggest hearts. It shows what can happen when children in need receive services they need.”

astor3

Barnes-Moorehead notes that local communities are extremely well placed to augment existing services and programs.

In an e-mail rallying mom volunteers, local mom and Chair of Families for Astor, Kate Kortbus reminded friends of the importance of acting locally on behalf of children:

“As we walked the halls, I was pretty overwhelmed. Some of the stories were hard to hear but I was able there to see kids in classrooms, in the gym – smiling and laughing. I know how busy everyone is – trust me. I am just feeling at this stage of my life like this world feels so overwhelming. But, if we focus on our community and the good that can come from service to others, maybe we will feel a little less overwhelmed.”

The goal is to enable these children to experience and attain success – and ultimately to find placement in a family.

To make a contribution for the Astor Wishlist or a contribution through PayPal, please visit their complete Wishlist – click and ship.

This is the first in a series Give InKind editorial staff will be writing to highlight the essential work of community-based organizations. The series will focus on the heroes among us – staff at community-based organizations who work to lift others up. They are the unsung heroes. We all know them. Let’s celebrate them. Would you like to list the needs of your organization to our free-for-use Wish List? Would you like to nominate an organization for profile? E-mail us at [email protected].

Photographs Courtesy of Astor Services for Children & Families. Used with Permission.