In partnership with World Relief, our refugee ministry welcomes newcomers to the country, easing their transition and developing new support networks to replace those left behind.
"Soldiers came into our house and looted it. They killed our neighbor's three-year-old son and burned down their house. For two months, we didn't dare to go out of the house," Ziza Uka, an Albanian refugee from Serbia recalls. "We were afraid to sleep."
There is a big need for furniture for refugees that are coming to our area. If you have something that you would like to donate to help our new friends as they come to start a new home in a new land there are several ways to do that.
You can:
- Drop off your item at the donation center in Wheaton (1825 College Avenue). Please drop off your donation Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 5:00pm. Donation must be labeled “World Relief.”
- Contact World Relief to arrange a pick up. You can either call or email Subass, the Donations Coordinator, to arrange a pick up. The phone number for World Relief is 630.462.7566. Email is
If you have any questions please contact Laura Wood through the VBC Sugar Grove office at (630) 466-7198.
Welcoming the Stranger
Every year, World Relief and their network of church-based volunteers help up to 10,000 refugees fleeing persecution and war in their homelands. Together, we help refugees make the transition to American life, so that one day they will call America home. Since 1979, World Relief has embraced over 200,000 refugees, welcoming them at the airport, helping them find jobs, and extending the hands of friendship.
Mary, a Sudanese refugee, says, "When I got off the plane, I was afraid. I did not know anyone. But then I saw many people holding balloons and banners. World Relief workers introduced themselves to me. I was startled by the kind people who greeted me. I knew at that moment that my Christian brothers and sisters would help me start again."
For some refugees, even everyday activities in the United States can be bewildering: car seats, gas stoves and the English language may all be new.
World Relief staff and volunteers adapt to varied needs, offering English classes, helping refugees understand the American culture, and going on field trips to mall, shopping centers and baseball games.
As a volunteer in this ministry, you will serve as the hands and feet of Christ and find the lives of the refugees, as well as their own, transformed in the process.
Current Need
Our church is currently setting up appartments for refugee families. This is a great opportunity to pass on some household items that you are not using. This family will certainly appreciate it. You can bring the following items to church - and you can also pick up a list of outstanding items that are still needed.
Any upcoming ministry opportunities will appear on the right side of this page.
Questions? Call Laura Wood at (630) 466-4218.
Want to Donate?
The following items will provide for the immediate needs of ONE family.
Kitchen Items1 Set Mixing Bowls Cleaning Items1 Bottle cleaning spray Miscellaneous Items1 plastic laundry basket |
Bedroom ItemsQueen-sized Blanket Bathrooms Items4 towel Sets (bath & hand towel, and washcloth) Standard Food Items5 lbs. Sugar
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