With the caveat that I don’t know this group very well, the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition is taking donations for families affected by the raid in New Bedford. Obviously, they look at their immediate efforts as part of a larger pro-immigrant agenda, which I understand people will agree with to varying degrees. But below is what they’re doing; #3 is just wrenching:
1. Donate Money: The New Bedford Immigrant Families/ Niños Fund is now accepting donations. MIRA is working with the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts (SFSEMA) in distributing all funds raised to the affected children and families.
Click here to donate online. Please specify that the funds are for “New Bedford Immigrant Families / Ninos Fund.” Or send a check to the MIRA Coalition, 105 Chauncy St, Boston, MA 02111. Please make checks out to the “New Bedford Immigrant Families / Ninos Fund.” Donations are tax-deductible and 100% of your donations to this fund will be distributed to the affected families through the Commuity Foundation of Southeastern MA (CFSEMA).
2. Volunteers: We are compiling a list of willing volunteers. Right now we need people willing to drive New Bedford families from their homes to the JFK federal building in Boston. We also need immigration lawyers willing to take pro-bono cases, preferably a bilingual Spanish speaker. Please call MIRA with your name and contact information at 617-350-5480 x212.
3. Material Donations: Needed items: Pampers in all sizes; Baby wipes; bottles and bottle liners; Enfamil Soy baby formula; all types of baby food and winter baby clothing. Canned food, bottled water and paper produces are also needed. Donantions should be dropped off between 8:30am and 4:30pm at 2 Acushnet Ave, New Bedford at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Convent.
4. Voice Your Opinion: Write to your local newspaper and call into your local radio station to decry the devastation this raid has caused. Our immigration laws are supposed to unite families not destroy them. Read the press releases and articles and then click here for tips on writing a letter with some local paper links.
5. Write and Call Your Members of Congress: Capital Switchboard (202) 224-3121. Ask them to speak directly with Secretary Chertoff to request that he “Release the Moms.” Also demand a moratorium on deportations until reform has passed. A sample letter is attached below–please invite your friends and families in other states to also write in!
They’ve done fantastic work in the past few years (four years that I’ve been paying attention to, but by all accounts before also) on the issues of in-state tuition, the Kennedy/McCain bill, and just pretty much anything that affects immigrants and families.
I sent some money to the Salvation Army, who is also helping, as I want the money to go to the kid’s needs and not advocacy.
that MIRA isn’t going to do what they say they will?
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“Please make checks out to the “New Bedford Immigrant Families / Ninos Fund.” Donations are tax-deductible and 100% of your donations to this fund will be distributed to the affected families through the Commuity Foundation of Southeastern MA (CFSEMA).” [From Charlie’s post abve]
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or maybe that the CFSEMA (I have no idea who they are, but assume it is a local organization) is not going to give it to the kids?