Donations pour in to southern Idaho refugee program

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (AP) _ Though donations of clothing, household items, toys and furniture are pouring from across the state to a refugee program in southern Idaho, organizers say there is still need for volunteers close to home.

The Times-News reports (http://bit.ly/2bdEFCj ) that despite political controversy surrounding refugee resettlement, the College of Southern Idaho's Refugee Program has received great support. The program resettles 300n immigrants from war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and the Democratic Republic of the Congo each year.

Volunteer Coordinator Jenny Reese says much of the recent donations have come from members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, after the church made a call to action.

Reese says more than books and bikes the program still needs local volunteers to befriend the refugees who have lost their homes and cultures.