The Afghan Refugee Drive, organized by the Muslim Student Association and the Teen Leadership Council gives our community the chance to support refugees in need. 

    After the Taliban overtook Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul this summer, the Afghan refugee crisis escalated even further. The humanitarian crisis occurring in Afghanistan, not only controlled by a terrorist organization, but also characterized by devastating levels of poverty, food insecurity, natural disasters, and effects of the pandemic, has placed a large sum of people in devastating conditions. 

    According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, half a million Afghans may seek to leave their country by the end of 2021. It is projected for 37,000 Afghan refugees to arrive in the United States as part of the first wave of emergency resettlement, as recorded by AP News. Over 8,000 of these refugees arrived in Virginia from Dulles International Airport, and are being moved to both temporary and permanent sites.

    The majority of the diasporic group lack necessities and support, and the International Rescue Committee urges people across the country to help in any way possible. “Your gift will have an immediate impact on displaced Afghan families who are escaping conflict and persecution. Start making a lifesaving difference and make a donation today,” said the UNHCR.

    At Potomac Falls, the local chapter of the Muslim Student Association teamed up with the Teen Leadership Council to create a drive for donations to Afghan refugees nearby. At school, they established a drop-off box at the library, at which they are accepting hygiene products, clothes, and other necessities.

    On top of MSA’s contribution to help support the Afghan arrivals, there are multiple other outlets to help support the refugees in need around our community, such as drives at local libraries and by many different local organizations.

    Please donate whatever you can. Everything counts.