Welcoming our new neighbors is an act of love and generosity.
"I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me." Matthew 25:35
We partner with an interfaith resettlement organization in New Jersey to meet the needs of refugee families resettling in NJ. We do this as a church family in partnership with other communities of faith. We do this with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
There are many ways you can help.
Build a Restart Kit
Restart Kits are bins of new household items provided to newly arriving families to help them set up their homes. It's a great way to involve your family, friends, coworkers, classmates or community group. Purchase new items. Pack them in a clear plastic bin with a lid. Label the bin with the Kit name. Include an unsealed, hand written note welcoming the family. Larger items that don't fit inside can be included separately. Deliver the bin to PAC.
Welcome Kit
- Electric tea kettle and black tea
- Monthly calendar
- Throw blanket
- "Welcome" doormat
- Notebook and pens/pencils
- Umbrella
- Scissors
- Small sewing kit
- Flashlight & batteries
- Wall clock with numbers
- Alarm Clock
- Light bulbs (4, CFL or LED)
Kitchen Kit 1
- Dishes: plates and bowls (for 8)
- Cups/glasses and mugs (for 8)
- Utensils: forks, knives, spoons (for 12)
- Silverware tray
- Dish towels (2)
- Potholders (2)
- Paper towels & holder
- Hand soap
- Trash can (13 gallon)
- Garbage bags
- Dish drying rack
Kitchen Kit 2
- Mixing Bowl
- Serving Bowl
- Food storage containers
- Large frying pan
- Large pot with lid
- Baking dish (glass or ceramic)
- Cutting board
- Large carving knife, smaller paring knife
- Spatula
- Can opener
- Wooden spoons
- Serving utensils
- Serving platter
Personal Care Kit
- Toothbrushes (4-6)
- Toothpaste (2)
- Shampoo (2)
- Conditioner (2)
- Deodorant (2 men, 2 women)
- Bar soap (3)
- Razors (4)
- Shaving cream (2)
- Feminine hygiene pads
- Toilet paper rolls (4)
- Tissues (2 boxes)
Cleaning Kit
- Mop and bucket
- Broom and dustpan
- Sponges
- Cleaner spray bottles
(1 bathroom, 1 kitchen,
1 all-purpose) - Toilet brush
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Paper towels (2 rolls)
Bath Kit
- Bath towels (4)
- Hand towels (4)
- Washcloths (6-8)
- Shower curtain
- Shower curtain rings
- Hand soap
- Toilet paper
- Small waste basket
- Bath rug
- Toilet plunger
Bedding Kit
Choose twin, full or queen.
Indicate size on Kit name label.
Stay age neutral.
- Comforter
- Blanket
- Sheets and pillow cases
- Waterproof (non-vinyl) mattress cover
- Pillows
Baby Kit
Indicate size on Kit name label.
- Diapers
- Baby wipes
- Small item/baby toy
Shop from the Wish List
Serve at the Donation Center
Interfaith Rise has an ongoing need for sorting, organizing, and packing donations for incoming families at their distribution sites in Highland Park. You can sign for a spot to help as an individual or choose multiple spots for your group.
Provide Services to Refugees
Volunteers who undergo a specific orientation and complete background check and confidentiality agreements for Interfaith Rise can serve in ways that require direct contact with the refugee. These are things like delivering groceries to their home, providing a ride to an appointment, teaching them to drive, tutoring, teaching English, etc. Let our Community Engagement Team know if you're interested in taking this step.
Make their new home possible.
We partner with the hearts+homes team to furnish and equip the new home for our new neighbors. There are so many ways you can serve on the hearts+homes team. Check out all the options.
Make a Financial Contribution
The refugee resettlement budget is funded by the Local Ministry Fund.
Furniture Donations
We partner with hearts+homes when receiving and evaluating the appropriate furniture for the refugee family and their home. Due to limited storage space, we can accept gently used furniture only as needed. Therefore, please do not drop off furniture at the church. pictures and dimensions of the items you wish to donate. We'll consider the items in light of the space available and the family in need.