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JFCS of the Suncoast Co-Sponsors Afghan Refugees Resettlement Relief Donation Drive on Sunday, September 26, 11 a.m. Contact Name: Nicole Brown Contact Email: NBrown@JFCS-Cares.org Contact Phone Number: 9412810520 JFCS of the Suncoast and The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee are co-sponsoring an Afghan refugees resettlement relief donation drive to collect essential items for individuals and families who are resettling in our community. The donation drive will take place on Sunday, September 26 at 2688 Fruitville Road in Sarasota, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “When the STEP (Shapiro Teen Engagement Program) teens expressed interest in helping Afghan refugees, I immediately thought of our partner organization, JFCS of the Suncoast, “ stated Jessi Sheslow, Teen & Family Programs Manager at The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee. “The Jewish value of “helping our neighbor” shines through the work that both of our organizations do for our local Jewish community. Our partnership is strong and valuable. I tell the teens, “Alone we are a drop, but together we are an ocean.” Essential items are gently used or new clothing for men, women and children, toiletries, bedding and bath items, kitchen essentials and cleaning supplies. However, housing is the greatest need. JFCS is asking area landlords, Airbnb hosts, Vrbo owners, or anyone with additional room in their homes, to provide free housing for Afghan refugees. Interested parties may email JFCS at Marketing@JFCS-Cares.org with their contact information and details about the housing location, housing type and how many refugees they can help. Arthur Lerman, JFCS President/CEO, and his wife will be housing Afghan refugees at their home. Children also need school supplies, backpacks and reading books to assist them in learning English and cultural concepts. Additional details about all donations are available on JFCS’ website (jfcs-cares.org/refugee relief) where monetary donations are also being accepted. About JFCS: Celebrating its 35th year as one of the Florida Suncoast’s leading mental health and human services agencies, JFCS offers programs that support youth, families, seniors and veterans. Inspired by the Jewish tradition of helping all people, services are delivered on a non-denominational basis and with the goal of empowering individuals and families to self-sufficiency and stability. JFCS of the Suncoast believes all people are to be treated with dignity and respect and have equal opportunity to physical well-being, self-expression and joy. For more information, visit https://JFCS-Cares.org/ or call (941) 366-2224.