Muslim Center of Greater Princeton hosts clothing and supply drive for Afghan refugees arriving at Fort Dix
More than 1,200 refugees from Afghanistan arrived at the New Jersey Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst this week with only the clothes on their backs. Over the next week or so, another 24,000 refugees are expected to arrive at the base.
The Muslim Center of Greater Princeton in Princeton Junction has started a clothing and supply drive to help the refugees.
According to the Red Cross, the first wave of refugees included many women, children, and babies. Pastors and others helping with relief efforts report that there is an immediate need for diapers and women’s underwear of all sizes, modest clothing, t-shirts, blankets, shoes, feminine hygiene supplies, wipes, baby food, lotion, towels, and other new items.
Items will be collected at the Muslim Center of Greater Princeton until Sept. 6 and delivered to Fort Dix. You can drop off new items at the center, which is located at 2030 Old Trenton Road in Princeton Junction. Note: Do not donate glass items, tampons, or pillows.
Krystal Knapp is the founding editor of Planet Princeton. Follow her on Twitter @krystalknapp. She can be reached via email at editor AT planetprinceton.com. Send all letters to the editor and press releases to that email address.
Good morning, for things like blankets and clothing, are only “new” being requested/taken?
Yes, new items only.
Is it possible to order these things online and have them delivered to the center’s address?
Yes, I would address them to: Refugee Supply Drive, Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, 2030 Old Trenton Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550.
We just dropped off some of the requested items. There was another person right behind us doing the same thing. Thank you for publishing this story.
We have multiple suit cases of clothing, men and women’s, and shoes. Very little of it is new but everything is in excellent condition. Any suggestion where we can deliver these items.
If you are in Mercer County, Capital Health Thrift is accepting donations at 2783 Brunswick Pike (Rt. 1 South) in
Lawrenceville.
Be mindful of which Center this is. I assumed it was the one on Route 1 by Promenade Blvd. I realized my error before arriving but decided to see if they were taking donations and was fortunate to arrive when a very friendly woman was bringing items in to their food pantry. She graciously accepted what I had (clothes and some baby items) . All good:)
Can items be mailed? I’m not close by
Yes, I would address them to: Refugee Supply Drive, Muslim Center of Greater Princeton, 2030 Old Trenton Road, Princeton Junction, NJ 08550.
Will you accept a crib. I also have crochet baby quilts and teddy bears
All items should be new.
Can I send used clothing in good repair?
No. As the story states and our story comment in response to another question, all items must be new.
Thank you for posting this story! I spoke with someone at the Muslim center who said used items were OK, as long as they are in very good condition.
Good to know, Jake. Thanks for the update.
Thank you for doing all this coordinating. Are you taking kids’ toys and books?
May I know why you won’t take gently used clothing? From an environmental POV, it’s the best thing to do. Plus you will get more items.
could you update the story to note this?
They also appreciate (and may even prefer) financial contributions. Here is website: https://www.launchgood.com/campaign/afghan_refugees_fort_dix_nj?src=internal_discover#!/