BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)- A group in buffalo is going to great lengths to help the refugees feel welcome. They’re collecting donations across Western New York to help furnish refugee homes.
This year more than 200 Syrian refugees have arrived in Erie County. The newcomers are starting from scratch, which means they need everything from warm winter clothes to furniture.
Local film director Akram Shibly told News 4 he started helping Syrian families as they arrived over the summer and before he knew it, he had a list of about 50 families who needed assistance.
He and a number of community organizations coordinated an effort to collect items.
They pick up donations from across Western New York, including from Amherst, Lockport and Lackawanna and then they distribute them.
“They are so grateful, the refugee families are so grateful and even if someone gives them something as simple as a coffee table it just helps them feel warmth,” said Shibly. “They’re not the type of people who ask for handouts, they don’t actively call me and say hey I need this, I need that. They’re very dignified, they don’t want to beg from everyone so we’re out here trying to actively see what they need so we can fill their needs.”
Shibly said they started by helping Syrian refugees but hope to expand the effort to all refugees coming to Buffalo.
If you’d like to help out you can email Shibly at akram@trueintentproductions.com.
