Members of the Loughborough congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, organised by Michelle Richey, felt a great need to respond to the refugee crisis in Europe. Michelle sought out an organisation to work through and selected CalAid, as they had an infrastructure set up already to receive and deliver donated goods. Local Church leaders were happy for the meeting house to be used as a collection point which was publicized in the local newspaper and promoted at Loughborough University where Michelle works.
The appeal was posted on the congregation Facebook page with details of exactly what items were required, when the chapel would be open for dropping items off and an appeal for help with sorting the goods on 3rd October.
Local Church leaders allowed the use of the building and goods were donated by both members and the public including coats, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, rucksacks, towels and men’s clothes. This resulted in a total of 15 boxes which were then delivered to the CalAid collection point later that afternoon.
RELATED: Read the Church’s statement urging members to help refugees in their community.
