Jacksonville — The Community Center, located on Anniston Road off Atlantic Boulevard, has been inundated with donations these past two days. Collections will continue on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Items being donated include non-perishable foods, modest clothing and shoes for men and women, hygiene products, toiletries, baby formula, diapers, baby supplies, toys, bedding, blankets, towels, kitchenware, cookware and utensils and cleaning supplies.
Miriam and Fatema, two Afghani volunteers who requested to bypass giving their last names, agreed that by collecting these items, they were answering their call to duty.
“The families will be tired and scared as they come into a new environment,” said Fatema. “This humanitarian effort will give families a head start.”
“We’re collecting supplies to welcome refugees,” continued Miriam. “To give these people a little ease and let them know that they’re not alone, that we’re here to help them.”
“Everything is useful when you have nothing,” added Fatema.
Both agreed that they are overwhelmed by the community’s generosity.
“We’re taken aback by the love and generosity of the Jacksonville community,” said Miriam. “We didn’t expect this turnout. We’re so thankful to every single person who has donated.”
Fatema admitted that the bulk of the donations have been baby products.
“The image of the woman throwing the baby over the fence really resonated with people,” she said.
As the Nabi Akram Community Center collects donations, Lutheran Social Services and Catholic Charities will be receiving and settling the refugees into homes.
As car after car pulled up to the center, Dzevada Alic, a Bosnian refugee who came to America in 2002, highlighted the importance of giving to refugees who flee to America for their lives.
“I know what it feels like to come from a war torn country without anything,” she said. “Where you don’t know anyone, you don’t know the language, and you have nothing but the clothes on your back. I’m doing whatever I can to welcome these people. To help them as much as I can. I know it’s never enough, but a little bit can be enough.”
Donations can also be shipped to 1776 Anniston Rd. Jacksonville, FL, 32246