1st Afghan refugees bound for Camp Atterbury arrive in Indiana, donations needed
EDINBURGH, Ind. (AP) — The first group of Afghan refugees bound for Camp Atterbury has arrived in the state.
A plane carrying the refugees landed Thursday afternoon at Indianapolis International Airport.
The refugees were processed and then boarded buses for the drive to the base about 25 miles south of Indianapolis.
Officials said this week that the refugees are expected to arrive in groups of 1,000 at a time, and about 5,000 are expected in the coming weeks. The refugees include American citizens, Afghan allies who helped in the military effort and those deemed vulnerable Afghans by the U.S. government.
“As a Hoosier, I could not be more proud of our troops and active-duty soldiers who came together to help our Afghan allies in support of this mission,” said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, the Indiana National Guard adjutant general.
Anyone interested in donating money or giving new, unused items to the refugees can do so through Team Rubicon, a disaster response group. The group said the refugees need a variety of new, unused items listed below.
The list includes modest summer or fall clothing for men, women and children. There is also a need for diapers, all sorts of hygiene products, baby food and individually packaged food and water.
You can find out more information about donation drop-off locations and volunteer opportunities by emailing ResettlementSupport@teamrubiconusa.org or by calling Team Rubicon at 310-640-8787.