(INDIANAPOLIS) – Indiana legislators are pitching in to help Afghan refugees at Camp Atterbury, and they’re inviting you to help too.
Each year, the House and Senate cooperate on a bipartisan drive to help one selected charity. This year, it’s the more than five-thousand refugees who fled Afghanistan and are passing through Camp Atterbury while awaiting resettlement in the U-S.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) says Representatives Chris Judy of Fort Wayne and Steve Bartels of Eckerty suggested the Afghans after visiting Camp Atterbury themselves. Huston says they were struck by the challenges the Afghans face in beginning a new life in America, and saw an opportunity for the General Assembly to be supportive.
Dropboxes have been set up around the statehouse for donations of clothing and other essentials like diapers and toiletries. Cash donations will also be accepted.
The Indiana National Guard has been taking clothing donations at armories around the state.
Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry announced this week 75 of the refugees will settle permanently in Fort Wayne.
