FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AMIDST CRITICISM THAT THE U.S. HAS FORGOTTEN AFGHANISTAN, SAN FRANCISCO BASED ORGANIZATION ENGAGES AMERICANS IN RESPONDING TO WINTER NEEDS OF YOUNGEST
AFGHAN CHILDREN

July 2003 - In response to requests from relief agencies in Afghanistan, the San Francisco-based afghans for Afghans has accepted the challenge of collecting newly hand-knit and crocheted wool hats, mittens, socks, sweaters, and vests for 5,000 Afghan children ages one to five. afghans for Afghans urgently calls on knitters and crocheters to make at least one handmade garment in time for the August 1 due date. Overseas shipping will occur in time for winter distribution to returnees and vulnerable children in Kabul and the Shomali Valley.

afghans for Afghans works in partnership with the San Francisco office of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the Quaker humanitarian organization that responded early with blankets and other material supplies after the war in Afghanistan commenced in October 2001. afghans for Afghans also works in cooperation with World Concern, another reliable relief agency with Central Asian expertise. The current call for wool garments for 5,000 youngsters is the outcome of a successful delivery of warm and colorful handmade gifts transported to Kabul in December 2002 by Airline Ambassadors, the humanitarian group composed of airline personnel.

"Even one small, well-made wool cap will make a big difference for the recipient," said afghans for Afghans founder Ann Rubin. "We're short on time, but how could we say no to such young children?" Rubin urges "volunteers to take action with their own hands to let the people of Afghanistan know that they have not been forgotten." Volunteers are also invited to email the organization if they would like to help sort and pack the cartons bound for Central Asia.

The American Friends Service Committee's Stephen McNeil emphasizes that "a portion of these personal gifts are going to children in the Shomali Valley who live outside the shaky security of Kabul. AFSC continues to work with Afghans in rebuilding and supplying schools for girls and boys whose true security resides in their education and sense of well-being. These gifts do make a difference."

Handmade hats, mittens, socks, sweaters, and vests need to be knit or crocheted with wool yarn to ensure enough warmth and durability. The organization does not accept used items. For further guidelines, the shipping address, and links to free patterns, volunteers are asked to visit http://www.afghansforafghans.org/5000children.html

For more information on afghans for Afghans' campaign for 5,000 children, please contact Ann Rubin or visit www.afghansforafghans.org






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