Gift appeal for refugees in Rome

The Joel Nafuma Refugee Center (JNRC) at the American Episcopal Church of Rome, St Paul’s within the Walls, is appealing for Christmas gifts for the refugees in its care.

The refugee centre says the initiative does not cost much, is fun to do, and can involve families, schools and workplaces. The idea centres around collecting practical items as Christmas gifts for those who are less fortunate.

Donors are asked not to buy large or expensive items but to stick to this list: toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, chewing gum, razors, gloves, chocolate, paper towels, hats, playing cards, combs, scarves, notebooks, pens, lip balm, underwear and soap. The gifts will be handed out at the centre's Christmas party on 20 December.

The items should be brought to St Paul's Within the Walls on Via Napoli 58, or the church of S. Andrea on Via XX Settembre 7, by Friday 13 December.
As in previous years, all the gifts will be divided evenly among the refugees, the majority of whom are men under 30 years of age.

If there is a surplus of donations they will be shared with other charities such as the Missionaries of Charity in the Prenestina district, the Missionaries of Charity in Tor Bella Monaca and the Salvation Army in S. Lorenzo.

Located in the crypt of St Paul’s, the JNRC was founded in 1995 and welcomes around 200 guests each weekday, from 08.30 to 14.00.

See more details.