Northern Virginia Officials to Announce Region-Wide Blanket Drive to Help 1 Million Refugees

Elected officials from major municipalities in Northern Virginia, leaders from the faith community and representatives of aid organizations will gather next week to announce a region-wide effort to help more than 1 million refugees fleeing from Syria and Iraq due to ISIL and civil war violence. Blankets will be collected at various locations throughout Northern Virginia and will be shipped to refugees who have recently landed in Turkey.

Many of the refugees who escape into Turkey have little with them other than what they are carrying on their backs. After a visit to a refugee camp last year it was asked how we could help; the answer – blankets. Last year some 18,000 blankets were collected and distributed to refugees in Turkey.

The blanket drive will take place from Nov. 1–22, with collection locations throughout Northern Virginia. Fairfax Board Chairman Sharon Bulova, Loudoun Board Chairman Scott York, Arlington Board Chairman Jay Fisette, Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and Prince William Chairman Corey Stewart will co-chair this effort.

Details on the collection drive and locations can be found at www.helpsyrianrefugees.us.

To find the closest drop off point, click here. Meanwhile, monetary contributions will be accepted, and tickets for the Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinner 2014 will be sold. Revenue generated from donations, as well as from ticket sales and sponsorships, will also be used to help those in need in refugee camps in Turkey. More information about the dinner, as well as financial guidelines that will be adhered to during this campaign can be found here.

PHOTO of refugees from official Help Syrian Refugees poster 2013