Dear Marshalls,

Im a mom of 4, a frequent shopper at your stores, and I recently

learned about a need among refugee children in our communities.
Reading your website, I was impressed to learn about the charitable
work you are doing to benefit families in our communities and
wondered if you might help with two small, grassroots projects to meet
the needs of unaccompanied refugee minors in the Massachusetts
foster system. Specifically, these young people need duffle bags and
kitchen supplies.

I learned of these needs when I spoke with the director of the state-
sanctioned program responsible for overseeing their care, the
Ascentria Care Alliance. The kitchen supplies are needed for the young
adults (18 to 20-year-olds) phasing out of the system and starting in
their first apartments, and duffle bags or small luggage are needed for
children moving from placement to placement.

Presently, these kids have to carry their belongings in trash bags from
placement to placement an experience that can be truly
dehumanizing. It is my goal to collect quality duffel bags for each of
the 170 refugee foster children in the program. I am also trying to
collect kitchen supplies (cutlery, dishes, and cookware) for the forty
18-22 year olds starting in their first real homes since they left the
refugee camps. I would appreciate your contribution of duffel bags,
kitchen supplies or a financial donation in any amount for us to
purchase these items. If it would be helpful, the donations can be
made directly to Ascentria Care Alliance, an IRS registered non-profit
organization.

Through social media, I have organized two events in Cambridge to

collect and assemble these care packages: a Kitchen Basket Party on
April 30th and a Care Bag (duffel bag) Packing Party on May 6th. We
have lots of interested families and volunteers who have offered to
bring new, unopened personal hygiene supplies (toothpaste,
deodorant, etc.) and special items like journals, books, and blankets,
but I am also depending on the generosity of local companies like
yours to help us come up with the needed duffle bags and kitchen
supplies. Please let me know how you might help.

Thank you for your support in this endeavor.

Best,
Kaitlin Roberson
18 Fernald Drive, Apt 12
Cambridge, MA 02138
cell: (205) 495-7858
email: kaitlinroberson@gmail.com