In November 2015 we founded Winter Clothes for Refugees to provide winter clothing to refugees as they passed through the Balkans while fleeing war-torn countries. Civilians and children fleeing war were exposed to the subzero temperatures of the Balkan winter, often without heat, shelter, proper clothing, or any way to obtain it.
Over the course of three months, we raised funds to purchase and distribute clothing and supplies to over 100,000 refugees. You can read the full story on the Huffington Post here.
As winter drew to an end, a new crisis unfolded. Political changes in Europe left tens of thousands of refugees, including thousands of babies and children, stranded in wilderness areas and sub-human camps throughout Europe; lacking necessities such as food, shelter, hygiene supplies, and the basics of survival.
We decided we were in it for the long haul. We would not sit by and watch while babies went hungry and children slept in flooded tents with muddy blankets.
We have now formed a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which accepts tax deductible donations. We continue delivering aid to civilians and refugees in need. Every donation received makes a difference in how many individuals we are able to help.
Donations made to this fundraiser will be used to provide aid on an ongoing basis to refugees fleeing war and danger, including those refugees who are currently stranded in wilderness areas and sub-human camps of SE Europe.
Original story, by Megan Tucker. December 2015:
I am currently in Macedonia working with an amazing group of local villagers who have banded together to help the thousands of refugees who cross the border into Serbia every day. We work throughout the night, as trains full of refugees arrive from the Greek border. We hand out food, blankets, and clothes. We help keep refugees warm with homemade fires, help dress the children in winter clothing, give directions, co-ordinate aide, and do whatever is possible to make their journey easier. The local volunteers work regular jobs during the day, and at night, after work, they go to the border and work all night doing anything they can to help. They have done this for months on end, often sleeping only a few hours per night. Though they themselves might earn about 250 Euros per month, they still pay their own toll and fuel costs to travel to the border every night with food and supplies. They are not funded by any official organization and they rely wholly on donations. Donations are used only for food, clothing, and essential items needed by refugees. You can read more about these men and the heroic actions they are taking at my article here: http://livingclean.com/unbelievable-acts-decency-extraordinary/ The volunteers currently do not have the funds needed to supply adequate winter clothing to the children and refugees. The weather has already gotten cold, and snow is coming very soon. Every day, several thousand refugees pour through, and hundreds of them are children. As they reach this part of Europe, the climate becomes extremely cold. In the middle of winter it can reach minus 20 Celsius (4 degrees Fahrenheit) with waist-high snow. The refugees, including very small children, must walk long distances in this weather with no access to proper shelter. If that sounds crazy, it’s because it is. They also sometimes must wait or sleep outside for long periods of time. Fortunately we are currently in a position to do something about it. I am collecting donations which will be used to purchase winter clothing and vital supplies for the refugees. The money will go directly to this purpose, no bureaucracy, no delays. The clothes are simply purchased, driven out to the border, and handed to the refugees. Photos and videos of distribution are posted on Facebook and I personally oversee all purchasing. All funds received are used for refugee aide. A coat can be purchase for about $5.35. Childrens hats or mittens – 30 cents. Scarves – $1.16. Adult gloves – 80 cents. Children’s thermal socks – 37 cents. What that means is literally that $5-$10 could save a life. If you are able to donate anything, large or small, it will be immensely appreciated. I think it is important that these people know that, regardless of all politics, Americans and people of all nations, are on their side.
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Legal disclosure: In order to maintain long-term operations and provide maximum aid, Charity United reserves the right to reallocate donated funds at it’s own discretion, in order to maximize humanitarian aid and to facilitate the accompishment of its charitable aims. Situations and needs can change with a moment’s notice, and maintaining this flexibility allows Charity United to provide more benefit to more people.
To learn more, and to view photos and videos, please visit WinterClothesforRefugees.com
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The mission of Charity United is to align and support individuals, groups, and organizations who assist in the creation of a better world.