Backpack and School Supplies Drive
Giving Tuesday 2023
As the Holidays approach and the weather starts to get cold, we are warmed by the support of family, friends, and community. Giving Tuesday falls five days after Thanksgiving to foster the spirit of giving as we head into the festive season. This year, however, it is clear that some in our community lack basic necessities and need extra generosity to come their way.
As large numbers of asylum seekers continue to arrive in New York, many are living in shelters in Astoria and Long Island City.
Some are families with young children and toddlers; others are single adult men who come to the U.S. alone. Due to the 60-day shelter limit, asylees are being removed from their shelters and have no choice but to sleep on the street, in parks, or in subway stations. Many don’t have jackets, hats, or scarves. Some do not even have socks or appropriate shoes.
That’s why this Giving Tuesday, November 28, is going to be a little different. This year, there will be multiple ways to give.
Give Money
As always, we appreciate any monetary donations to support our holistic programs and services for immigrants. This year, a portion of donations will go to purchasing winter clothing items for asylum seekers who arrive with nothing. Donate on PayPal here.
Give Things
You can donate clean, gently-used winter clothing items and sleeping gear to to CIANA! If you have coats, hats, gloves, scarves, sneakers, or boots, feel free to drop them off at our office. Blankets, sleeping bags, and pillows are welcome as well. Contact us to learn more.
Give Time
Most of the asylum seekers who come to our office are single men from Senegal and Mauritania. They speak Arabic, French, Wolof, and Pulaar. While CIANA is fortunate to have French and Arabic speakers on our staff, we are seeking Wolof and Pulaar speaking volunteers to help translate as we connect asylum seekers with resources and services. Contact us to volunteer.
However your choose to give, we are deeply grateful for your generosity.
Click the button below to donate on PayPal. If you have trouble donating or would like to give another way, please contact us.
If you would like to donate by check, or if you like to donate winter clothes or sleeping gear to our office, our address is below:
​
36-12 34th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Astoria, NY 11106