Local residents can donate clothes, food, water, hygiene products and other items to Afghan refugees being temporarily housed at Camp Atterbury by visiting a local library branch.
The Johnson County Public Library’s drive began Sept. 27, and the library will continue to accept donations as long as there is a continued need for them at the National Guard base in southern Johnson County. So far, residents have filled six large boxes with supplies, said Jody Veldkamp, a library spokesperson.
Library officials inquired about how to get involved to help the more than 6,600 refugees awaiting resettlement. Suzie VanOsdol, a library assistant at the Clark-Pleasant branch, is coordinating the effort, which spans all four library branches.
The library has partnered with Team Rubicon to deliver the supplies. Team Rubicon, which works in disaster response, has also assisted in recovery from Hurricane Ida in Louisiana and Mississippi, and a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Haiti, according to its website.
“Partnering with Team Rubicon was the most efficient way to coordinate this effort to assist refugee families,” VanOsdol said. “They have experience and a relationship with Camp Atterbury.”
Donors can drop off items at the Clark Pleasant, Franklin, Trafalgar or White River branches. Needs will vary based on time of year. In the coming months, for example, refugees will be in need of winter clothes, Veldkamp said.
IF YOU GO
Clark Pleasant Branch
530 Tracy Road, New Whiteland
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Franklin Branch
401 State Street, Franklin
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Trafalgar Branch
424 S. Tower Street, Trafalgar
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
White River Branch
1664 Library Blvd., Greenwood
Monday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1-5 p.m.
Source: Johnson County Public Library
HOW TO HELP
Here is a list of what is needed for Afghan refugees at Camp Atterbury. Most donation sites will only accept new items:
For an updated list, visit PageAfterPage.org/afghansupport
Clothing
- Men: Unbranded, modest clothing including shirts and pants in all sizes. No shorts or tank tops will be accepted.
- Women: Unbranded, modest clothing including long-sleeve crew neck shirts, modest short-sleeve shirts and pants in all sizes. No shorts, dresses or tank tops will be accepted.
- Children: Same items as above in all age ranges and sizes, with the same restrictions applied.
- Infants: Baby and newborn clothes, hats and socks
- Other items: Undergarments, modest underwear, socks, hats, shoes and slide-on sandals. Flip flops will not be accepted.
Child-specific items
Some bulk items will be accepted by Team Rubicon.
- Diapers
- Diaper cream
- Baby wipes
- Baby shampoo
- Baby lotion
- Infant and child blankets or swaddles
- Liquid formula
- Non-battery operated toys
- Non-glass bottles
- Pacifiers
- Spoons
- Sports balls
Food, water and hygiene
Individually packaged items are preferred when possible.
- Bottled water
- Water-soluble electrolyte, hydration and vitamin powders and liquids
- Feminine hygiene products, excluding tampons
- Bars of soap
- Shampoo
- Combs / brushes
- Deodorant
- Towels
- Washcloths
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes
- Shower shoes
- Toilet paper
- Face masks, both disposable or reusable
- Gloves
- Hand sanitizer
Miscellaneous
Unbranded items are preferred, if possible.
- Backpacks
- Bug spray
- Phone chargers, including wall adapters and cords for iPhone and Android phones
- Prayer rugs
- Qurans
- Reusable, non-glass water bottles
- Sunscreen
Source: Team Rubicon
