How to help: Where to make donations for recently arrived migrants
CHICAGO (CBS) -- As hundreds of migrants arrive in the Chicago area, several organizations have set up ways for people to help them with everything from clothing to coloring books.
There are many ways people can donate clothing, gift cards and toiletries. People can also volunteer with organizations to help recently arrived migrants. Below is a list of places accepting donations. Visit organization websites and call ahead to confirm hours of operation and, if possible, double check with what donations are still needed:
*The city's website, Chicago.gov/support, has information on how to donate goods, such as winter clothing and toiletries, using an Amazon wish list set up by the nonprofit Instituto del Progreso Latino as part of their response effort.
Click here for a list of donations being accepted. Click here for the form to volunteer.
You can also purchase new warm clothing and winter coats and drop them off at designated sites across the city, including 21 aldermanic offices and the City Clerk's office at City Hall. City officials are asking for donations of new items only. Used items and food will not be accepted.
Chicagoans also will be able to sign up to volunteer to provide other assistance to the migrants.
Cook County Health also has set up its own website to provide donations to help the asylum seekers by helping to purchase supplies such as diapers, baby food, clothing, school supplies, and more. Cook County also has set up its own Amazon wish list for donations.
The list of items needed for the migrants will be updated as needed. For any questions about donations, email DONATIONS@cityofchicago.org.
*The Chicago Clerk's Office joins the Chicago Latino Caucus in listing what's needed and where to donate.
*The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is helping with the resettlement effort and has partnered with other nonprofits in the Chicago area. The organization asks people to check its Facebook site for the latest updated information.
*Casa Michoacán is looking for people to volunteer their time to help newly arrived migrants. Anyone who can help can call 414-678-1591 or 312-491-9317. The organization's Facebook page is also being updated with the most current information regarding volunteers.
*The Interfaith Community for Detained Immigrants has several options for people who want to donate items, money or time. Its Twitter site has a thread with links to help, including an Amazon wish list.
*The Little Village Community Council is collecting clothing and shoes for the migrants. Visit the organization's website or Facebook page for hours and specific types of donations. Call 773-522-2552 for more information.
*El Rincon Family Services is accepting donations, specifically gift cards and toiletries. Office hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., located at 3942 W. North Avenue. Check out El Rincon's Facebook site for more details.
World Relief Chicagoland is accepting donations of new and gently used clothing, including coats and other winter-related items. Gift cards to grocery stores are also being accepted. Click here to find out where people can make donations.
*The Resurrection Project has a site where people can make a monetary donation.
