We did it! Since our website went live in March of 2008, we have grown to over 135 volunteers, and now reach over 100 Iraqi refugee children. We have sent more than 600 care packages since our first set of 14 packages were sent in April 2008. We also had the opportunity to partner with an Iraqi translator, who delivered toys and gifts to Iraqi school children in a village that was particularly hard hit by the war. With all the new fundraising projects planned for this year, we look forward to being able to meet the needs of the new Iraqi refugee children that will be arriving each month.
The List Kids
Submitted by skychoi on Fri, 04/11/2008 - 19:46
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the problem:
There are more than 2.2 million Iraqi refugees that had to flee Iraq in the past few years. They fled to neighboring countries, often with nothing more than they could carry. The countries around Iraq are having trouble feeding and housing the Iraqi refugees. There are not enough schools for the kids to attend. Many families cannot afford to feed their families, much less pay for schooling. Sadly, many refugee kids have seen things far worse than shown in any R-rated movie, but there is little help available for them. What many people don’t know is that during the Iraq war, many Iraqis helped the US Military. They worked as translators, clerks, constructions workers, etc. Because they helped the US soldiers, they are now in great danger. Many have been kidnapped, beaten and killed. There is a very special project called "The List Project." The List Project is run by an amazing guy named Kirk Johnson. He has collected the names and information regarding more than 900 Iraqis who helped the US and are now in danger because of it. He is trying to help them get asylum in the US. Not only are the brave men and women who worked for the US in danger, but the insurgents often kidnap and beat their kids. Usually the whole family is in danger if any member helped the US Military. The purpose of The List Kids project is to reach out to the Iraqi kids whose parents are on The List. If they are lucky enough to make it to America, I want to be able to let them know they are welcome and safe here. They will be coming to a land and culture so very different from their own. Our goal is to provide every List Kid in the US with a care package each month so that they will know that we care about them. Imagine how hard it will be the first few months when they arrive here in the US and have to learn a new language and culture. As part of THE LIST KIDS project, I collect letters and welcome cards, gift cards (GAP, Old Navy, Borders, Target) and used gaming systems/games for the monthly care packages. I also send a silcone reminder wristband to any one who gives a donation to THE LIST PROJECT. My goal is to raise people's awareness of the Iraqi refugee crisis and let the Iraqi refugee families on THE LIST know that we care about them and have not forgtten them. By providing them with books, games, and computers, our goal is to help them learn English and learn more about American culture in order to make their transition to life in America easier. The deserve it.
vital stats:
people impacted:
250people involved:
125why it's important:
The Iraqi refugee kids are important to me because their needs are great and I could not find anyone other organization that was addressing them. While there are organizations that help the parents find housing and employment, the refugee kids a placed in public schools often knowing little English and less about American culture. Because the Iraq war is a political hot button for many, the Iraqi refugee crisis receives very little media coverage. I feel it is a moral imperative to reach out to these families that were risked their lived to help our US soldiers, regardless of one's viewpoint on the war in Iraq.
the plan of action:
My plan of action is to continue sending care packages to the Iraqi refugee children that resettle in the US. To do so, I need to bring on additional corporate sponsors and increase our fundraising. We have a ink recycling project that is just kicking off and have volunteers across the country place collections boxes in offices, schools, clubs, and churches. We are in the process of having greeting cards made from artwork done by the refugee children. The cards will be sold in stores in several states and will be available online. Additionally, we are planning a large concert in Miami as our biggest fundraiser to date. Finally, we will continue to reach out to middle school and high school students who need community service hours to help create custom fundraisers for each student.
how you can get involved:
Learn about the Iraqi refugee crisis at www.thelistproject.org and about the families that have been resettled in the US at www.thelistkids.org. There are many ways to get involved, beyond donating money which is always welcome. Donate your used computer or gaming system. Volunteer to collect used ink cartridges for recycling on behalf of The List Kids. Host a card making party or fundraiser. There are many ways to get involved. To chat with the over 100 other List Kids volunteers, log on to http://netroots.listproject.org and sign-up with the List Kids Chapter!
project updates:
03/15/2009
Comments
Hi Im 14 yrs old and I live in Sunrise. I would like 2 participate in this with my friends and help. What can I do 2 help u guys 2? Where r u guys located?