Rhode Island residents penned dozens of letters welcoming Afghan families who will soon make a new home in the state, following the U.S. military withdrawal from the country in August.
The community letter-writing service Dear Rhode Island, in partnership with a nonprofit providing immigrant services, will place the letters in the apartments of Afghan families arriving in the coming weeks, The Boston Globe reported.
Many of the letters include illustrations from artists and students. Others include reflections sharing experiences of immigration and encouraging words of hope, or describe the sights and smells the families will encounter, the newspaper said.
At least 260 Afghan evacuees should arrive in the state in October or early November, the newspaper reported.
Dear Rhode Island was created last year when Jessica David, a Providence resident, said she wanted a way to thank healthcare workers.
David said that since the local community was already organized, she expanded the program with the help of a local organization to welcome Afghan families with personalized letters.
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