This September, we’ll be collecting items for the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO). We have a long-standing connection to IRCO, and we’re proud to support them again this year. Please consider picking something up on the way to a match or swinging by Fanladen during membership hours so we can continue our support of this important organization. This year, they have specifically asked us to gather items for K–12 students in Portland. They need the following new items in all sizes:

• Backpacks
• Headphones
• Shoes
• Clothes
• Socks

From IRCO's website:

IRCO’s youth programs seek to break down barriers facing youth. Youth Programs ensure that students (ages 6+) receive a quality education to overcome the obstacles that perpetuate inequality and poverty. From one-on-one mentoring, tutoring, academic advocacy and after school activities, to gang prevention and intervention for at-risk youth, IRCO provides culturally and linguistically specific support to help close the achievement gap, improve 3rd grade reading, ease middle school transitions, and increase the number of youth graduating from high school and pursuing college or career opportunities.

We also must acknowledge that Oregon and its community has a role to play in the events unfolding in Afghanistan. We aim to support the organizations here in Oregon that exist to support our immigrant and refugee neighbors.

There are many ways to help, and many incredible voices out there sharing information on how to do so. Many of us are familiar with Shireen Ahmed from her sports journalism and activism. She wrote an article for InStyle magazine that has a list of voices to follow and some steps we can take. She also encourages us to educate ourselves. Her work is a great place to start.

Here at home, Oregon non-profits and lawmakers have been seeking ways to welcome refugees to the state, and one of the organizations working on this is, as always, the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization.

Other ways to help: While IRCO has asked us to focus on youth items during this drive, they also have an ongoing need for other items to support refugee communities in Portland. Please see this press release from IRCO about their needs. We will collect any of these wish list items as well, and you are welcome to support them via online donation or wishlist at any time.

Bonus opportunity

For the rest of this season, we will also be collecting blankets for Janus Youth Program, our upstairs neighbors at Fanladen. They can accept new and gently used blankets, which will go directly to the youth who seek their services. Bring these to Fanladen anytime it is open (match days and membership hours) for the rest of the season.

Remember that all donations via 107IST will entitle you to receive a special donation merit badge! We now have five different designs available, so come on down and continue your collection.

Thank you for your support of the community.

What: Donation drive for IRCO (and blankets for Janus)
Where: Fanladen 1633 SW Alder (just a couple blocks from the stadium)
When: Match days in September and regular membership hours
Check the newsletter for open hours.