Since the crisis in Afghanistan unfolded last year, thousands of refugees have come to the Los Angeles area seeking asylum and a community for their families. In Los Angeles County, various government agencies and non-profit organizations have come together to form the ‘Los Angeles County Afghan Refugee Task Force’ to support Afghan refugees to resettle, navigate the system and provide resources. Members include the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management, FEMA, Islamic Relief, CAIR-LA, the Emergency Network of Los Angeles (ENLA) of which BAPS Charities is a member, and many others.
On Friday, March 25, 2022, BAPS Charities volunteers donated 125 pounds of dates and 25 pounds of nuts, pressure cookers, large pots, tarps, assorted steel serving utensils, and other essential items to support Afghan refugees.
BAPS Charities Volunteers arrived onsite at Loyola Village Elementary School, where the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Westchester Community of Schools is collecting donations for the refugees. LAUSD School Board Vice President Nick Melvoin, Samuel Liu (Deputy Chief of Staff for Senator Ben Allen (SD-26)), and Jennifer Theodore-Sullivan and Christian Acala from the LAUSD Westchester Community of Schools, were also present for the donation.
The Office of State Senator Ben Allen (SD-26) also brought large pots, tarps, and 25 pounds of dates to donate to the refugees and their families. Samuel Liu, Deputy Chief of Staff for the Senator presented a ‘Certificate of Recognition’ for the efforts and also shared their gratitude. “I could think of no better way for us to support the community in a way that brings people together of all faiths and backgrounds to make the introduction for these folks into our country, to our city as welcoming as possible especially when they have suffered so much trauma. These families can use the holidays as a time to come together and continue their cultural traditions. We are really grateful to BAPS Charities to be a part of this effort.”
Last September, LAUSD School Board Vice President Nick Melvoin introduced a resolution to affirm LAUSD’s commitment to support Afghan refugees. Board Member Melvoin and LAUSD Staff were there on-site to receive the donations to be distributed to the families.
