As the granddaughter of “undocumented” immigrants who came to the US just before WWI, welcoming newcomers is a way for me to give back to the nation that has given so much to me and my family. I volunteer at the AIDNW Welcome Center, greeting released immigrants who have battled anxiety and boredom while enduring weeks, months, and even years inside the detention center awaiting adjudication of their immigration cases. As I learned about harrowing journeys to the US; the reasons they had to leave their families, friends, and homeland; and their plans and dreams for a new life in the US, I pondered what more I could do.

Immigrants are often released shivering from Northwest winter weather, wearing only the light-weight clothing they had on when detained by Border Patrol at the southern border. They need warm coats, so I began collecting coats from friends, family, neighbors, and clubs. Next, I started collecting paperback books for the detention center library. I contacted foreign language educators to find paperback books in multiple foreign languages. I also collect donated books that teach English, life skills, and basic math and reading for English learners, plus various do-it-yourself books to teach a skill to people who have a lot of time to pass. Then, I started looking for more craft items like crochet yarn, markers, coloring and sketch books, puzzles, and board games. Keeping detained people busy with reading, self-instruction, and creating crafts can make a huge difference in their attitude and well-being as they await asylum court case dates.

Also, collecting donated goods made me aware of how many area residents want to help immigrants/refugees. I tell everyone I know about AIDNW and the work we do. People are always interested in learning more, and some may also become volunteers.

Helping immigrants in this way is very rewarding, and there is no fixed schedule, so it fits my life. Another great benefit of volunteering is that I have met so many new people in the South Sound area and made new friends. If you want to support immigrants as a volunteer, you can certainly find a way to contribute your skills and compassion at AIDNW.