The collections from recent Sunday Masses enabled the University’s Ferst Interfaith Center to donate gift cards for Afghan evacuees, as shared by Catholic Communications.
According to Kathryn Buckley-Brawner, executive director of the Catholic Charities Agency for the Diocese of Springfield, 28 Afghan evacuees will have arrived and been placed in care by Oct. 29.
“The gift cards were distributed and allowed them to purchase clothing and necessities of their own choice,” Buckley-Brawner shared in a letter of thanks to Fr. Warren Savage, director of the Ferst Interfaith Center. “The funds have assisted us in securing temporary housing for our evacuees …” Buckner-Brawner wrote, “Their stories give life to the chaos we all witnessed at the Kabul airport and confirm what we suspected. Families were separated; some were lucky enough to be swept up into the departing planes while others in the family were shoved aside. Yet, despite the anxiety of not knowing what will become of the ones they love, they are grateful to be alive and safe. They are still enthusiastic and hopeful and it is edifying to be in their company.”