Ava’s Afghanistan Refugee Project
September 6, 2021
Yesterday I stopped by an apartment complex to drop off donations from family and friends to Afghan refugees.
To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect since I didn’t have any information about the people or the complex where they are staying at. This information is confidential to protect our government allies and the sensitive nature of their situation.
Before I made the trip, for days I did research to narrow down on the area where I believed they were at.
Then I connected with a volunteer who I have been donating through. The volunteer was reluctant to disclose any details about where they are living, which is understandable, but after asking enough probing questions throughout our conversations, I was able to pinpoint one of the locations.
September 12, 2023
We did it family and friends.
All of this was gone in 20 minutes today!!!
It is through your giving heart that our Afghan sisters and brothers have warm clothes for fall and winter. ❤️
A new group of refugees stopped by today. They heard about the distribution from their neighbors in the last wave.
I also surprised a huge crowd of kiddos with over $200 worth of toys and fun, sustainable activities, thanks to all the generous donors. My hope is that they can get their mind off of things and just enjoy being a kid. Of course these were gone first!
One kid, however, walked up to me and said he didn’t want a toy. He asked me for the Quran instead…When I gave it to him, he gave me a long hug…
November 2, 2021
This past Saturday, I loaded up my car with the 11th batch of donations and took another leap of faith. This time I drove to a new Afghanistan refugee settlement in Federal Way.
I learned about this new location by following news releases from local government agencies. However, it was really through a friend at the other settlement who connected me with a new family at this settlement. I was hoping this connection would give me an “in” because by the news coverage, it seemed more gated and I know nearly 130 refugees are in desperate need of help.
As soon as I drove up to the hotel, I can see a group of King County staff members at different check points with security at the gate. On the other side of the gate was the family waiting for me.
I will admit, I was kinda nervous. I have no credentials with any organizations. I’m only here on my own time…Will they let me help the family and others, especially with the COVID restrictions in place? If they said no, would I be pushing it if I unloaded my car next to the gate? Could I ask the family to meet me somewhere else? Can they even leave the perimeters for a bit?
November 10, 2021
Family and friends, since I’ve been sharing my journey with you about my Afghan refugee project, I will honest, tonight I’m feeling a bit exhausted and broken…
This evening I did another drop off at the new settlement in Federal Way. Over 50 people showed up as I unpacked my car with donations in the parking lot. It was dark, rainy and cold. I felt bad for the people but there’s no other way I can do it. Every time I do a distribution, I can feel my chest tighten up as I watch the desperation, the need that is still unmet. I just feel like I’m never doing enough…
This morning, I woke up to three requests from new families who need my help. I don’t know why but started to worry that I’m not going through the donations fast enough. So far, I’ve gone through 10 new batches since last week with 40 more to go. In the last two weeks, I did two big distributions and helped five families separately. Still, I couldn’t help but let out a big cry before I went to work. I felt so guilty and disappointed in myself.
December 13, 2021
Family and friends - It is with great sadness that I share this heartbreaking news with you.
When I did a drop off in Federal Way, a staff member at King County told me I can no longer donate anymore clothes…
I asked her why. I was told their donation room is full. However, I have been distributing the clothes in the parking lot so the refugee families can have everything right away...
Furthermore, King County extended their contract with the hotel to go through March since more refugee families are expected to arrive in Washington.
But if the families have what they need, why are they requesting donations from me? As you can see, things aren’t adding up.
December 17, 2021
This morning I had the honor to speak to eight graders about my personal story and my Afghan refugee project. They are currently researching issues related to refugees, including health, wellness and girls’ education.
Now their challenge is to design a solution that will positively impact the issues they are passionate about. 🔥
These students are brilliant. I admire their passion in the thought provoking questions they asked me, and their curiousity to learn more. I know they will do amazing work in the community and beyond! 🌎
Thanks for having me, St. Thomas School!
March 7, 2022
For nearly three months since my negative encounter with King County staff at the hotel, I am proud to say my relationships with my Afghan refugee families have been stronger than ever. Despite the pushback, I refuse to take a seat.
If anything, this incident has pushed me even harder to create an underground network of contacts, where we’ve been collaborating to continue the important work, while welcoming new refugee families with the love, support and dignity that they deserve.
I have been staying in touch with everyone by phone and e-mail. This has allowed me to grow my own database of contacts, locations, needs, as well as patterns and trends to further analyze.
March 25, 2022
My project with Afghanistan refugees was made possible thanks to 130+ kind and generous donors. From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU for your gift of love, comfort and hope. May kindness return to you in the same beautiful way. 💗
Mayor Denis and Patty Law
Peggy Miller
Ellen Bradley-Mak
Diane Jenkins
Anna Van
Dr. Joy Ross
Helen Wing
Xuan Nguyen
Sarah McEnroe
Jamie Claypool
Mai Van
Tuyen Nguyen
Chandra Cruver
Nhi Nguyen
Thuy Nguyen
Emily Nguyen
Elliott Nguyen
Kimberly Nguyen
Danny Dejesus
Amaya Dejesus
Janet Salas
Thu Van
Grace Nguyen and Jeff Freeman
Olivia Freeman
Malya and LaDell Carroll
Suzy Bask
Glad Loreen
Joanne Peterson
Keri Wittenauer
Sallamy Abdulmalik
Phil Townsend
Jose Enciso
Steph Koura
Rahama Clothing
Gambia International
Chelsea Lee
Karen Gaudette
Linet Bravo
Kathy McRae
Dianna Bagley
Shannon Parthemer
Donna Scotti
Melissa Barnes
Michele Sheetz
Sarah Staszel
Lizzie Mendus
Niharika Rath
Jawea Kelly
Jenny Pho-McDonald
Alessandra Perkins
Judy Kurc
Yazar Farid
Tara High
Kenya Rose
Laura Mantilla-Weaver
Amanda Keller
Kristen Schmidt
Nikki Ahrenholz
Laura DeGooyer
Meg Walraed-Sullivan
40 other donors who prefer to remain anonymous