Watching the news of Afghan families desperately seeking escape from the Taliban has been heartbreaking for the worldwide church. Feeling called to act, the Episcopal Church Women of Varina Church went in search of ways to help families with resettlement. Their prayers were answered when one member saw a local newspaper article detailing opportunities to help Afghan refugees coming to Virginia. The ECW emailed the congregation asking for help with donations of food, toiletries, toys, and travel kits. Parishioners responded quickly and enthusiastically, dropping off items at church and at the collection site in town. The Rev. Becky McDaniel blessed the collected donations at a Sunday service. The congregation plans to continue collections and look for additional ways to help. If you have suggestions for other types of support, let us know! And if you’re looking for ways to join the effort, you can sign up with Episcopal Migration Ministries to assist with airport pick-up, meal assistance, apartment set-up, transportation, sponsorship, tutoring in English as a Second Language, and, of course, through monetary support. Follow the efforts and get latest updates using #neighborswelcome.
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