World Relief Minnesota

help us set up a household for a new refugee family

Refugees, asylees and victims of trafficking arrive with little more than painful the memories, yet they cling to an earnest hope for safe and peaceful new beginnings. 

The federal government has developed guidelines (found in the Cooperative Agreement) that require that refugees receive household items appropriate for their new life in America. The federal government designed the resettlement program to be a public-private partnership – which means that resettlement agencies, like World Relief Minnesota, must solicit members of the local community for donations (funds and gifts-in-kind) to set up households for new arrivals. 

As noted on the Volunteer Opportunities webpage, there are a few options to choose from if you would like to contribute to a refugee household by gathering basic needs items.   You can:

• Make an individual donation on a single item or several items.
• Provide a “Welcome Kit” for a refugee family; this is a suitable project for a small group or a family.
• Coordinate a resource drive for a particular household item or set of items through your church or local group. There are certain household items newly arrived refugee families need, but are often low in stock at World Relief Minnesota.  (See the list of most needed items near the bottom of this page.)

Please note:  In order to show respect to newly arrived refugees, we only accept new or slightly used items.  If a used item is potentially unsafe or dirty, may not work properly, or is so worn or old, we ask that you refrain from donating those items.  All personal hygiene items must be new. If you, your small group, or your church is interested in collecting items for a welcome kit, please contact our Church Engagement Coordinator at mnvolunteers@wr.org

refugee family welcome kit

A Welcome Kit contains all the basic household necessities that refugee families need needed to start a new home.  The typical Welcome Kit should be large enough for a family of 4 to 8 members.  Providing a Welcome Kit is a great way for a family or a volunteer group to donate because it ensures that one entire refugee family will have their basic household needs met as soon as they arrive in Minnesota.  Donors are offered the opportunity to meet the Welcome Kit recipients and build a relationship with the newly arrived refugees. 

Kitchen & Dining
Tableware (knives, forks, spoons)
Place setting (plates, bowls, cups, glasses)
Mixing and serving bowls
Kitchen utensils (serving spoons, knives, spatula, etc.)
Can opener
Water / Juice serving pitcher
Sauce pan, frying pan, and large cooking pot (preferably non-teflon)
Baking dish
Dish towels
Rice cooker (for Asian families)

Bedding
Bed sheet sets (full and twin)
Blankets/quilts/comforters
Pillows and pillow cases

Hygiene (all items must be new)
Toilet paper (8-pack)
Shampoo and conditioner
Hand soap
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Toothbrush holder, soap tray
Deodorant
Hand/body lotion
Chapstick
Razors and shaving cream (for men)
Maxi pads (for women/girls)
Bath towels, hand towels, and wash clothes
Shower curtain
Bath mat

Cleaning & Household
Dish soap
Bathroom and kitchen cleaner
White vinegar (economy size)
Baking soda
Club soda
Spray bottle
Sponges
Laundry detergent
Two waste baskets (bathroom and kitchen size)
Broom and dust pan
Trash bags
Toilet brush
Vacuum cleaner

Household
Alarm clock
Telephone
Notebook and pens
Table lamp and light bulbs
Storage tub
Clothing hangers

School Supplies (optional)
Elementary school:
Folders with pockets
Wide-ruled notebooks
#2 pencils, eraser, pencil sharpener
Scissors
Ruler
Glue or glue stick
Crayons
Pencil bag or box

Secondary school:
Folders with pockets
College-ruled notebooks
#2 pencils, highlighter, pens (black or blue)
Three-ring binder
Package college-rule paper
Calculator
Pocket dictionary
 
Baby Items (optional)
Diapers
Baby wipes
Blankets
Bottles, pacifiers
Baby lotion

Resource Drives or Individual Donations

There are certain household items that newly arrived refugee families need but are often low in stock at World Relief MN.  While World Relief MN accepts donations of any Welcome Kit item, we are most in need of the following items at this time:

Pots and pans (preferably non-teflon)
Rice cookers
Sheet sets (full and twin)
Bath towels
Toilet paper
Deodorant
Shampoo
Soap
Laundry detergent
New mittens, gloves, and hats

World Relief Minnesota also accepts donations of mattresses, winter outerwear, televisions, DVD players, computers, microwaves and other portable cooking devices, and vehicles in decent working condition.