UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL IOWA BLOG

You can bring a box of hope to a family in need this holiday season.

Welcoming and supporting refugees is on people’s minds these days—and in our conversations. Refugees share our neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces in central Iowa. They enrich our community economically and culturally. In return, you can help them feel welcome here.

This holiday season, United Way of Central Iowa is collecting food and personal-care items for our HOPE families.

Iowa has become a refuge for thousands—a place to call home for those who thought the word had no meaning left. These refugees have survived catastrophes in their personal and political lives. In Iowa, they can and will thrive if Iowans are willing to welcome and assist them during the challenging transition. In order for this to happen, knowledge and understanding is needed.

Their stories are astounding. Their perseverance is inspiring. Their grit is unyielding.

“The opposite of poverty is not wealth; the opposite of poverty is justice.”

Bryan Stevenson, attorney and founder, Equal Justice Initiative