Christian Ávila came looking for winter clothes for his two grandchildren who arrived from Ecuador a month ago alone to be reunited with their mother and are students of the Newcomers School in Long Island City.
“I feel it is very good for them to be able to help a lot of people, especially those who have just arrived, right?” Said Ávila.
Christian is one of dozens of relatives of refugee students who come to collect clothes that have been donated by the community in a room that has been converted into a small shop set up by the school.
“In such an expensive city, you need help and clothes more than anything and now that winter is coming,” Christian added.
The initiative was an idea of the parents’ coordinator, Gloria Contreras.
Gloria says she started collecting coats after seeing the need for the nearly 200 refugee students who have enrolled in the school since September.
He asked the director for permission and shared the information on social networks. The community donated not only coats, but also scarves, shoes and other winter clothing.
Looking for help.
“It’s very nice to be able to give back to the community because you never know when it’s your turn,” Gloria said.
“We are very proud to support our new families who come here to start a new life in New York with us,” said Elizabeth Messmann, principal of Newcomers High School.
According to the organizer, these clothes are not only for refugee families who have their students here, but also for families who are going through difficult times, even if they are residents or citizens.
“The doors are definitely open for them,” Gloria said.
On a daily basis, people can receive or donate winter clothing to the school from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:00.
