Thousands of desperate people have tried to flee Afghanistan in a mass exodus since the Taliban came to power.
At least 12,000 people have reportedly been evacuated since militants took control of Kabul just over a week ago.
The harrowing scenes on television and on social media showed men, women and children at Kabul airport desperately trying to find refuge.
Read more: Lancashire in the dark on the number of Afghan refugees it can take in
Boris Johnson has promised that up to 5,000 Afghans will find refuge in the UK this year, and up to 20,000 in the longer term under a program that will provide refuge to those most at risk of Taliban persecution.
And councils in Lancashire, including West Lancashire, Wyre, Lancaster and South Ribble, have come together and committed to hosting around 30 families.
But how exactly can people in Lancashire help? Whether donating online, collecting essentials or donating urgently needed clothing and food, there are many ways. We have spoken to kind hearted organizations, charities and individuals in Lancashire who have told us what they are doing – and how you can help.
Schwarzbrand
Dedicated employees at Mrs. Dowson’s Farm Park in Clayton-le-Dale accept donations and clothing during opening hours. The farm park’s Facebook page says: “The scenes in Afghanistan are devastating and heartbreaking to watch.
“The North West is working to safely take in refugees who have fled their country after helping the British forces and only having the clothes they came in. These refugees include adults, children and small babies!” For more information click here or call 01254 812407.
Preston
A friendly Preston man collects clothes, bed linen, toiletries and all other donations for Afghan refugees and brings them to the Manchester-based branch of Care4Calais refugee aid.
Nathan Benson, 36, offers to collect donated items from locations in Preston, Chorley, and Leyland.
Nathan, a project administrator, said, “Please remember that these are families with young children who come here with no money! This is not your fault and I can’t imagine what you are going through! If you have clothing for children or adults, such as shoes, bed linen, towels, toiletries, or anything you’ve sent or discarded for charity, please consider donating. ‘
Anyone who wants to get in touch with Nathan can call him on 07462294603.
Leyland
Stacks of donations for Afghan refugees at Tippy Toes baby bank in Leyland
Nursing employees at the “Tippy Toes” baby bank in Leyland collect the essentials for babies and expectant mothers.
Organizer and founder Sue Wade said while the charity does not collect baby clothes, other donations such as water bottles, water sterilizers, pacifiers, nightgowns, baby wipes, formula and toiletries are gratefully received and forwarded to the Care4Calais charity.
She said, “It’s amazing that there are people out there who want to help others, even though we’ve got through Covid and so many people have had financial difficulties – it’s really humiliating.”
Collection points include The Kinder Hub play center in Cottam and locations in Tarleton, Penwortham, Leyland, Farrington, Chorley, Fulwood, Great Eccleston and Warton. Anyone looking to donate or learn more should call Tippy Toes in advance on 07789 268747 or email enquiries@tippytoesbabybank.co.uk.
Longridge
A generous mother and baby massage teacher from Lancashire raises funds for baby refugees.
Jacqueline Winslow, 39, owner of Zen Babymassage, which runs courses in Barton, Grimsargh and Walton le Dale, raises donations for diapers, baby wipes, baby detergent, baby shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste and diaper creams. Donations will go to the Care4Calais office in Manchester.
Jacqueline said, “Wow! Amazing donation this morning for Afghan refugees. I will be collecting again next week before and after classes in Grimsargh, Barton and Walton le Dale so that Zen baby families and locals can come by with every donation. ‘
Donations can be made before or after class at Grimsargh Village Hall, Barton Village Hall, and Walton le Dale Community Center. For more information click here or call 07772 446876.
Lancaster
Charity Global Link in Lancaster says it has been showered with offers of help. The charity’s Facebook page states: “We were overwhelmed by people’s desire to support refugees by offering clothes, household items and even housing that is most needed. We’re having disk space issues, hence our delayed response.
If people would like to donate high quality clothes and bedding, little used shoes and kitchen utensils (including blenders!), Please bring them in labeled bags or boxes this week Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or Tuesday to YMCA tomorrow next week. Thanks very much.’
West Lancashire
Donation bags labeled “For Asylum Seekers / Refugees” can be handed over to the refugee and support service “The Ask Club” at the Ecumenical Center in Skelmersdale.
Items requested include men’s clothing, shoes and sneakers, waterproof men’s coats, and a range of foods such as canned fish, tomatoes, rice, canned tomatoes, plain flour, sugar, long-life milk, onion bags, fruit bags such as bananas, apples, oranges, instant coffee, and cooking oil.
If you want to find out more, you can visit their website here.
Liverpool
The Care4Calais charity has collection points across the country including Liverpool and Manchester.
A Liverpool office spokesman said: “The Care4Calais volunteer team is working hard to support the Afghan refugees who recently arrived in Liverpool.
Most urgently needed are joggers, sneakers, hoodies, underwear, socks, coats and toiletries for little men. Donations can be made this Wednesday between 11am and 1pm at All Saints Church, 55 Shiel Rd, Kensington L6 3AD or the following Wednesday.
It really helps when clothes donated are sorted into separate bags for men, women and children. ‘
Those interested in learning more can visit the charity’s website for a map of the closest drop-off points. To learn more, click here.
United Kingdom
The UK government website has also outlined a number of programs and charities that help Afghan refugees, including the UK Red Cross, Save the Children, UNICEF, Oxfam and the World Food Program. To learn more, click here.
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