December is home to many traditions, including the International Rescue Committee in Salt Lake City’s (IRC) Light One Candle event. It’s no surprise that during such a magical season we see the community work together in a collaboration that results in an overflowing of support. Light One Candle seeks to meet needs of both the adults in refugee families as well as children, providing everything from household necessities to new toys. Thanks to the hard work of staff and donors, this year was an absolute success, ensuring nearly 60 families finished their holiday season with needs met.

A family of six stands in their living room with the light one candle items they received,
Light One Candle aims to honor and celebrate refugee families in Utah during the holidays.
Photo: Jennica Henderson/IRC

Light One Candle is an annual holiday gift drive that offers the community an opportunity to fulfill holiday wish lists for newly arrived refugee families and individuals. This event is one way that our Utah community supports the efforts of refugee arrivals as they work to rebuild their lives in a new home and celebrates their arrival. 

According to Caitlin Fellows, the IRC in Salt Lake City’s development coordinator who led this year’s initiative, Light One Candle “helps provide essentials and fun.” Caitlin especially enjoyed hearing specific requests from refugee homes, such as asking for not just a mixer, but a red mixer. Another unexpected request included materials to craft porcelain dolls. “It was more personal,” Caitlin shared. 

A large family poses in front of the items they donated to the IRC for light one candle
Families across the city worked to welcome newly arrived refugee families with items to help them turn their houses into homes.
Photo: Amanda Ojala/IRC

Due to limitations created by the pandemic, fewer volunteers supported the delivery of gifts, but IRC staff and interns stepped up to ensure families received the items gathered for them. “Being a small part of creating that magic for our refugee clients was such a gift!” Sophie Silverstone, a health access intern at the IRC said. “I was amazed at the number of gifts and how much coordination that must have taken.”

Caitlin was especially astounded by the support of donors who exceeded all expectations. There were even more donors than people to sponsor, reminding us how dedicated our city is to our newest neighbors. Some groups found clever ways to meet needs, like one group, the Wasatch Cruisers, who decided to participate in Light One Candle in lieu of having a Christmas party. They drove by the IRC for their drop-off, their cars decorated in lights, and honked their car horns to celebrate. 

A mother and two children stand in front of the items they received through light one candle in front of their home
Light One Candle comforts and necessities were dropped off by IRC staff using safe practices.
Photo: Farah Al-Hamdani/IRC

“I’m very grateful,” Caitlin said of the support from donors and staff who made this season much brighter. “I couldn’t have done it without everyone stepping in.” 

There is a secret ingredient to this holiday recipe: our donors, supporters and friends who dedicate themselves to welcoming refugees in our community. That’s how we create magic, by continuing to be there for each other against all odds. 

As we settle into this cozy season, spread the warmth by helping us continue to support new arrivals as they reach their dreams. You can learn how to get involved in 2021 by visiting Rescue.org/SupportSLC.