In mid-August 2021, when many at-risk Afghans evacuated to the United States, local organizations rallied to provide support. Two D.C.-based restaurants, Lapis and The Berliner, launched a donation drive to collect items for refugees resettling in the DMV. The response from the community was incredible. Within weeks, Lapis and Berliner staff delivered truckloads of household items and other essential supplies to the International Rescue Committee in Silver Spring and our partner organizations also serving Afghan refugees including HomesNotBorders, Lutheran Social Services of the National Capital Area (LSSNCA) and the Ethiopian Community Development Council (ECDC).  

So far, IRC in Silver Spring staff and volunteers distributed supplies to over 65 families and that work will continue. In the next six months, the IRC in Maryland anticipates the arrival of more around 1,150 Afghan evacuees. These people often arrive with few possessions and have to leave behind friends and family who may still be in danger. To get involved hosting a donation drive or distribution donations to refugee families, sign up for a Volunteer Orientation or email [email protected] for more information. 

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Staff from Lapis and The Berliner deliver donations to IRC Silver Spring.