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Winter Essentials Drive Supports
Refugee Neighbors Through Tapestry Farms
The Congregation of the Humility of Mary is once again hosting its Essentials Drive to support our refugee neighbors served by Tapestry Farms. From December 1 through March 31, community members are invited to drop off donations at the Humility of Mary Center in Davenport, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
This annual drive, part of Sister Mary Bea Snyder’s ministry helping immigrants and refugees, collects basic household necessities that can make daily life a little easier for families starting over in a new country. Suggested items include bar soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toilet paper, laundry soap and dish soap. Cash contributions are the most encouraged because they allow Tapestry Farms to purchase exactly what is needed when supplies run low.
The need remains great, and this year’s drive comes at a time of exciting growth for Tapestry Farms. Over the past year, the organization completed its move to a new community center at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Davenport. The expanded space has allowed Tapestry Farms to deepen its services and create a welcoming environment for individuals and families from across the globe.
One of the most visible signs of growth is the new English class offered twice a week, complete with free child care. Students who speak six different languages and come from seven different countries gather to learn, study and build community. The Karibu Market, located inside the community center, allows students and clients to shop for essentials at no cost. Items collected through our Essentials Drive help keep the shelves stocked alongside clothing, household goods and children’s toys.
Another vital service now offered is a legal clinic that assists refugees with green card applications, citizenship and work authorization cards. With complicated paperwork and shifting regulations, the guidance of trained volunteers can make a life-changing difference.
Tapestry Farms continues to nurture its roots in urban agriculture as well. The seasonal farm, hydroponics container and partner gardeners, including GIFT gardens tended by home gardeners and local organizations, including a garden plot the Humility of Mary Center, grew tens of thousands of pounds of produce this year. All of it was given away to families in need or sold to raise monies for the important services offered by Tapestry Farms.
A new social enterprise program has also launched, offering handmade baklava and fresh flower bouquets for sale. This effort helps diversify funding and provides meaningful work while sharing the gifts and skills of refugee entrepreneurs.
There is so much happening at Tapestry Farms, and our Essentials Drive helps sustain these vital services. Every item donated and every dollar given directly supports our newest neighbors as they build safe, stable and hopeful lives in the Quad Cities. We are grateful for the generosity shown to Sister Mary Bea’s ministry, including more than $4,000 in cash and hundreds of toiletry items donated last year to Tapestry Farms. In the last five years, contributions totaling more than $24,000 have been directed to organizations that serve immigrants and refugees.
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