Afghan Refugee Project

Support our Afghan Refugee Project!

Many of us at CBT have been very interested in supporting the needs of Afghan Immigrants following the recent crisis in Afghanistan. As a result, an Ad Hoc Committee has been formed under the umbrella of the Social Action committee to address the best ways our congregation might support the needs expressed by various agencies all working towards the same goal: to welcome, house, and provide support financially and in goods and services) to those families that have already begun to arrive in our area.

The needs will be ongoing, and for now, we have organized our efforts in the following ways:

(1)  Housing continues to be the most urgent need. If you have a separate space with a private bathroom—such as a rental property, in-law apartment, vacation home, etc— in the Greater Boston/Metrowest area, that can be made available for an incoming family, please let us know.

(2)  Cash Donations are critical and welcome in any amount. Jewish Family Services of Metrowest spells out how you might contribute monetary assistance to support the housing and other needs of these arriving families. CLICK HERE to contribute.

Please use “Member of CBT” in the Faith community affiliation section so that we can keep track of, and acknowledge all CBT congregant efforts.

(3)  GIFT Card Drive:  We welcome cards in any denomination for Market Basket, Stop & Shop, Walmart, Target, & CVS. Cards can be mailed or dropped off to CBT (Attn: Afghan Refugee Support). Please attach a note identifying yourself as the contributor. You (and other family members, including children) might also want to attach a note of welcome to any refugee who may be receiving a gift.

(4)  Hands-On Help: For those who want to participate in a personal way, we are creating “Welcome Baskets” filled with everyday items for starting out in a new home. CLICK HERE to view the list.

NOTE: All donations should be NEW items (or very lightly used and in excellent condition), and we ask all who are donating items to attach a note to your donations so that you can be recognized and thanked appropriately!

Collection Dates: All items will be collected at CBT from Tuesday, February 1 through Tuesday, February 15, 2022. There will be plastic bins left in front of the Temple where you can drop these items off. Once we have a number of donated items, we will need volunteers to help us deliver these ‘baskets’ to RIAC (the Refugee and Immigrant Assistance Center) in Boston. This project will likely continue for months ahead.

(5)  Furniture donations: For furniture and other donations, please CLICK HERE to complete a necessary form. 

To best match need and supply, the information generated in the form will help Team Leads, working with the JFS/JCRC/CCAB partnership, quickly identify and mobilize to get families what they need. In the spring of 2022, we will also be planning another furniture drive.

(6)  Professional Skills: If you are able to provide specific valuable skills such as legal services, translation services, counseling, etc. please let us know.

There are many ways to help, and we hope you’ll be able to participate with us in some way. Please contact Lesley Orlinsky or Viola Morse with any questions or for more information. 

Thank you, we are grateful for your support and generosity.

Afghan Refugee Support Group,

Lesley Orlinsky            Paul Newman              
Tammy Weiser             Bob Weiser
Diane Judem               Jane Adolph
Viola Morse