-submitted by John Rasmuson

The Refugee Resettlement Committee (RRC) seeks your help in making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear.   

With the Trump Administration limiting the number of refugees admitted into the U.S. now and in the future, the RRC is expanding its services to those who the International Rescue Committee manage to bring to Salt Lake City.  Two initiatives—the Basket Project and the Pedal Project—have been launched.  Both are intended to provide the means by which First Church congregants may respond to a global humanitarian crisis by acting locally. 

Helmed by Johanna Whiteman, the Basket Project provides refugee families with such needed household items as tea kettles, sheets, towels—dictionaries and soccer balls for the kids.  A list is available on the RRC bulletin board and at the Congregational Life Table.  Your options for joining the project are also explained there.  Questions?  E-mail Johanna Whiteman at .

 The Pedal Project is led by Andrea Globokar.  It collects gently used bicycles and gives them to refugees.  Volunteers tune up the bikes beforehand, and donations pay for new helmets, locks, and lights.  To donate or volunteer, please e-mail Andrea at .

The RRC, with 20 years’ experience settling refugees, believes the two projects will also afford welcoming, face-to-face connections with refugees as they adjust to their new life in Salt Lake City.

Both projects offer donation receipts for income tax returns.