by Deb Thiel, AAUW Tomah President
AAUW Tomah is uniquely positioned to reach out and assist Afghan Refugee guests currently residing on Fort McCoy- only 10 miles away. Young women who were the first to be educated in their country had to choose to leave with only a passport on them, alarmed for the future of their country, friends and families left behind. We can all share what this must feel like. There are many organizations and indi- viduals involved making an amazing difference! Many of you are involved in these efforts – THANK YOU from the people. They really are appreciative.
Here’s another opportunity!
As basic needs for safety, food, shelter, clothing are met and time passes Afghan Women have showed a longing for personal luxuries such as skin care and cosmetics. So the idea – wouldn’t it be great if we could provide quality cosmetic kits for these women?
What: Gift Bags for Women “Prep for Success”
To include: make-up, skin and hair care products. Individual gift bags of quality products they have mentioned (that is eye shadow, eye liner, mascara, lipstick, cleaner, sunscreen, moisturizer) as a token of our shared sisterhood and support. Handwritten notes of encouragement and local women sewing handmade carry bags for these items.
Goal One: Gift bags to the Afghan University Women and single women launching to schools and work throughout the USA (150). Goal Two: Provide cosmetic products to as many Afghan women at Fort McCoy as funding supports (est. up to 3000). 113 kits with encouraging messages have been delivered!
Sponsor: AAUW Tomah Branch
How to support:
AAUW Tomah is currently collecting $ donations to cover the cost of cosmetic products.
Send Checks payable to: AAUW Tomah Branch (Note in ledger: Afghan)
Mail to: Tomah AAUW, Treasurer
15400 Headquarters Road, Tomah, WI 54660
or
Transfer money (debit card preferred) to: www.venmo.com/u/AAUWTomahPrez
Note: Afghan Women Project.
If you would like to donate cosmetics, hair or skin care products, please call Deb Thiel 608-387-1976 or 608-372-4625 or Audrey Chambers 608-387-2490 to arrange a drop off.
Bonus: Write uplifting notes of encouragement, support, and kinship for inclusion in gift bags and shared with these women.
To Learn More about Afghan Refugees and Volunteer Opportunities:
https://www.viterbo.edu/social-justice-and-equity/afghan-evacuees-fort-mccoy