Giveaway!

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Imagine for a moment what it would be like to arrive in a new country with only the clothes you are wearing and little else. Many of our refugee/immigrant friends who are new arrivals to the United States encounter several challenges such as learning English, finding a place to live, applying for jobs, seeking medical care, and adapting to a new culture that is very different from the one they left. Where do you go to get ordinary things like food, clothing, household items, and personal hygiene products? 

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For the past several years CFNA has hosted a three-day “Giveaway” event at the Peace Center to provide basic household use and personal hygiene items, especially for recent arrivals. A sample of the products available includes blankets and winter clothing, laundry detergent, paper products, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soaps, cleaning supplies, and more.  All items are donated by local churches, nonprofit organizations, and individual donors. This year’s Event took place from December 13-15, and during those three days, 150 families from 20 birth nations shopped and took home large quantities of much-needed items. 

One of our shoppers, Maerline, who recently arrived from Haiti said, “The event was well-organized with no pressure, and I was able to take my time to shop.  I appreciate how easy it was to register and how helpful the volunteer was who guided me.” 

Nabin, an emerging Nepali church leader who has been with CFNA for some time, had this comment, “My family was excited and happy to receive the items. They are very useful. The volunteers were very helpful.” 

Laurie, A member from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Des Peres, shared about her first-time experience with CFNA, “I was honored to provide assistance to those in need. Very well-organized event.  I appreciated that everyone who was seeking assistance was welcomed and treated with dignity.  Excellent selection of donated items for the shoppers to choose from.” 

An event like this would not have been possible without the many volunteers and CFNA staff who give of their time, energy, and especially their joy in serving refugees and immigrants.  Thank you to the members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, the LCMS MO District, the LCMS International Center, Middle Tree Church, and more, for volunteering and collecting donations for this special event. 

By Gary Schaefer
CFNA Operations Associate