How to Support Children & Families Impacted by the Immigration Separation Policies

Here’s a roundup of local opportunities to support the families impacted by the Trump Administration’s immigration separation policies.

Advocacy

Some want to offer supplies to be passed on to the children, but she said the most urgent need is for the kind of action that would change the stance of the policy-makers. “The key is, what really moves Jeff Sessions, what’s going to move Donald Trump?” she said.

Call your U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121, ask to speak to your state’s Senators and your Congressional Representative and tell them “I’m calling to ask that [SEN NAME] support S. 3036, the Keep Families Together Act, to stop the separation of immigrant families at the U.S. border.”

Use the ResistBot to send letters via email and text. It is a credible resource.

Collections

These are the items requested by Holy Family Institute which is providing housing supports for some children separated from their parents by this policy. Drop-off spots are below:

We are unable to accept clothing and stuffed animals at this time.

Gift cards to Giant Eagle, Wal-Mart, Target, DSW, Dick’s Sporting Good, Dunham’s Sports, Best Buy, Michaels, Jo Ann Fabrics, or Pat Catan’s
Suitcases and duffle bags, preferably carry-on size with wheels
Non-toxic art supplies: canvases, acrylic paints, brushes, markers, crayons, coloring books, yarn, and colored pencils.
Model building kits
Pool supplies: sunscreen, beach towels, pool noodles, and sunglasses
Flip flops, new and in all sizes
Board games, dominoes, Jenga blocks
Toys: Legos, action figures, remote control cars, dolls (with brown skin/hair)
School supplies and backpacks
English Grammar books, Elementary science and math books, and Children’s and Youth literature in Spanish
Spanish language Bibles
Wii games rated “E for Everybody”
Birthday party supplies, such as themed plates, napkins, and cups
Maps relating to the US and Central America

Drop-off locations:

Holy Family Institute main offices: 8235 Ohio River Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15202

Cyclops Cafe: 567 Lincoln Ave, Bellevue, PA 15202

East End Drop-off: 4309 Stanton Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15201

Events:

Vigil to Protest Separation of Children from Parents at Border

Wednesday, June 20, 2018
9-10 PM
Corner of Murray and Forbes Avenues in Squirrel Hill

Pittsburgh Believes Families Belong Together Rally

June 30 12PM
Pittsburgh is rallying in Market Square to demand that families are kept together as they seek asylum in the US.
Now with Twitter: https://twitter.com/FBT_PGH

Rally to Families Belong Together

Saturday June 30, 2018
Washington DC – Local busses

Stop Separating Families Rally

Friday, June 22, 2018
Westmoreland County Courthouse

Volunteering:

Organizers hope to enlist more immigration attorneys to provide pro bono help in asylum cases and to raise funds to provide someone to advise attorneys who don’t specialize in immigrant law but who want to help, said Daniel Conlon, board president of the Latino Community Center.

Pgh Lesbian Correspondents