You’ve heard us say it a million times: People Make the City. But for us, it isn’t just a catchy slogan. It’s a way of life. We are inspired daily by our city and it’s people who work to make Indy more welcoming, more vibrant and a more wonderful place to live, work, play and make a difference.
In our ongoing effort to make Indy the most welcoming city in America, many community organizations, like Exodus Refugee Immigration, serve on the frontline of these efforts, working tirelessly over the last several months to welcome more than 300 Afghan evacuees here to our community.
Exodus Refugee Immigration has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylees from many countries, cultures, languages, faiths, and political opinions. Starting this important work in 1981, Exodus has helped thousands of refugees establish their lives in Indiana.
As the cold weather approaches, many of our recently resettled friends are in need of basic items like coats, gloves, hats, and socks. 1828 Project Leader, Craig-Anesu Chigadza, serves as the Mental Wellness Advocate at Exodus Refugee Immigration and has experienced first-hand the needs of our new neighbors who have never experienced the winter season in Indiana.
“The opportunity to participate in this massive effort to assist our Afghan friends as they resettle in our beautiful city is a once in a lifetime opportunity. An opportunity that presents our community the platform to showcase our humanitarianism and our ability to band together when we are called to serve. I am confident that our city and it’s people will accept this service opportunity with the passion that makes the Circle City what it is. Service and welcoming others to our city is truly in our DNA and the people of this city always make a positive difference and these People Make the City. “
Craig took this request to his cohort of the 1828 Leadership Project, a civic leadership tract that brings together Indy’s young leaders from across-sectors and industries, seeking donations. But the group wanted to do more.
In partnership with Exodus Refugee Immigration and the United Way of Central Indiana, the cohort has organized a winter coat charity drive running throughout the month of December. You can bring warmth and joy this holiday season to our new neighbors from Afghanistan by donating coats, socks, hats and/or gloves in new or great condition.
Here’s how you can get involved:
#1: Bring new or gently used items to one of the drop off locations (Monday-Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm)
City County Building, 35 N Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis, IN 46204
Exodus Refugee Immigration, 2457 E Washington St. A Indianapolis, IN 46201
Two Chicks District Co., 1531 S East Street, Indianapolis, IN 46225
#2: Stop by (2112 E Washington Street) the drive-thru coat collection this Saturday, 12/11 to drop off your items with 1828 Project leaders. You’ll receive a $10 coupon from Ash & Elm Cider Co. for your donation!
#3: Purchase donations directly from Exodus Refugee Immigration’s Amazon wishlist using the following link.
Interested in hosting a collection bin at your organization? Please contact Craig-Anesu Chigadza.
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MORE ABOUT INDYHUB:
IndyHub works to grow, engage and empower a community of 20- and 30-somethings who are meaningfully connected to Indy and invested in its future. We channel our growing network of young and talented residents to each other, volunteer opportunities, affinity groups, social experiences and leadership roles. From those who are brand new to the city to those who have been here their entire lives, we work to ensure this key demographic is plugged in and committed to Indy long-term.
MORE ABOUT EXODUS REFUGEE IMMIGRATION:
Exodus has a long history of welcoming refugees and asylees from many countries, cultures, languages, faiths, and political opinions. We began in 1981 with the mission to serve the legal needs of immigrants and Cuban refugees, who had arrived as part of the Mariel boatlift in 1980. Since that time, Exodus has helped thousands of refugees from more than 50 different countries establish new lives in Indiana.
