Indiana agencies collect resources for Afghan evacuees

More than 1,600 coats, donated by The Salvation Army of Central Indiana Territory, arrived today at Camp Atterbury as part of the major statewide effort to provide warm clothing and other essentials to Afghan evacuees.

Soldiers from the Indiana National Guard collected and delivered the donation of coats from the Kessler-Moore Readiness Center, one of nine National Guard armories designated as collection sites for donations to Operation Allies Welcome. Several thousand evacuees remain housed temporarily at Camp Atterbury in Johnson County. Nearly 48 percent of the evacuees are children under age 14.

“These families are absolutely in need of these items,” said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard. “To be able to have these items, especially a coat, is vitally important to them right now.”

Despite the large donation, much more is needed to sustain the Atterbury community.

“This donation will go a long way toward helping the many families housed at Atterbury, but we still hope Hoosiers will step up in the coming weeks to donate the items in high-need right now at the facility, especially items to keep men, women and children warm as Indiana winter approaches,” said Steve Cox, executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

The donated coats were collected as part of The Salvation Army’s annual Coats for Kids campaign, which was extended this year to help the Afghan evacuees. Maj. Marc Johnson with The Salvation Army said the coats would provide warmth while also helping the evacuees “understand and know how much Hoosiers care for the needs of their fellow human beings, regardless of where each of us were born.”

Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the following locations:

• Evansville: 3300 E. Division St.
• Greenfield: 410 Apple St.
• Terre Haute: 3614 Maple Ave.
• Danville: 1245 E. Main St.
• Muncie: 401 N. Country Club Road
• Indianapolis: Kessler-Moore Readiness Center, 2625 W. Kessler Blvd. North Drive
• Fort Wayne: 130 W. Cook Road
• South Bend: 1901 Kemble Ave.
• New Albany: 2909 Grant Line Road

In addition to warm clothing and coats of all sizes, the following items are being accepted at the armories because they have been identified as needed the most. The items should be in their original packaging.

Latest needs:

• Umbrella Strollers
• Men’s Shoes
• Women’s Shoes (sizes 6-7)
• Men’s Underwear and socks

Ongoing needs:

• Men’s and women’s unbranded, modest clothes such as long sleeve t-shirts, underwear, pants and jackets in sizes small to large. No shorts or tank tops.
• Children’s clothing, including baby and newborn clothes, hats and socks
• Powdered baby formula
• Socks, hats, shoes and slide-on sandals (no flip flops) for evacuees of all ages

Any organization or business seeking to make a large donation and cannot deliver to a designated site should contact IDHS at [email protected].