You may have heard on the news this past week that Switzerland is experiencing an increase in asylum seekers and refugees with the current refugee situation unprecedented since World War II. Basel is one of the cities in Switzerland where these persons can apply for asylum/refuge. Many of the persons arrive with only the clothes they are wearing, and as winter is approaching, there is an urgent need for warm clothing.
We would like to lend a helping hand to these persons and as such are requesting donations of second-hand clothing as follows:
- Young men’s casual clothing, also for teenagers (especially jeans and casual tops, slim sizes)
- Warm children’s clothing
- Warm coats and jackets: men, women and children
- Shoes, boots and gym shoes: men, women and children
- Hats and gloves: adults and children
- Suitcases and backpacks – including larger sizes
- Socks: men & women
- Umbrellas and rainwear
Donations can be left shortly before or after mass on Sundays (up through the end of the year) near the bookstand at the church entrance. They will be distributed immediately through OeSA, an ecumenical organization which provides pastoral services and support for refugees in Basel.
Alternatively, items can be brought directly to OeSA (near the German Otterbach border) during opening hours https://www.oesa.ch/
If you have questions, or if neither of these options work for you, please contact Judy Gundy, judygundy@bluewin.ch
Thanks in advance for your generosity to this worthy cause.