My heart has been heavy, thinking about all of the kiddos in detention centers at the border. These children are our neighbors and should be treated the way that we would want our own children to be treated. All children should have access to a bed, blankets, diapers, soap, water, ample food, and medical care. According to the CDC, handwashing with soap is the best way to keep diseases from spreading.
I'm pro-kid and pro-soap.
Of course, when I heard that the kids in detention don't have soap, my immediate thought was, "Where can I send them soap and soap nets?" But, border patrol will not accept donations of things like soap, food, blankets.
There is, however, a need for funds to help families going through asylum hearings.
From now until July 15, we will be donating 20% of our proceeds both online and in-store to the National Immigrant Justice Center. The NIJC provides pro-bono and low-cost lawyers to asylum seekers. You can also donate to NIJC directly on their website.
If you’re interested in educating yourself beyond the basics, here are a couple of great blog posts from NIJC--the lawyers in the fray--that explain some alternatives to mass detention and taking children from their families.
Immigrant Incarceration Discussion Guide
Five Investments our Immigration System Address Crisis at Border.
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