Salt Lake County welcomes refugees, immigrants during annual “Welcoming Week”

Sep 13, 2021, 6:37 AM | Updated: 5:03 pm

welcoming week...

DULLES, VIRGINIA - AUGUST 31: Refugees are led through the departure terminal to a bus at Dulles International Airport after being evacuated from Kabul following the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 31, 2021 in Dulles, Virginia. The Department of Defense announced yesterday that the U.S. military had completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending 20 years of war. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

(Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders in Salt Lake County are celebrating the contributions of refugees and immigrants during Welcoming Week. 

It comes as more families head to Utah after fleeing a dangerous situation.

“As we’ve seen over the past month, one of the most pressing humanitarian crises of our time is happening in Afghanistan,” said Natalie El-Deiry, executive director for the International Rescue Committee of Salt Lake City. 

Welcoming Week

The theme of the 2021 Welcoming Week is “Belonging Begins With Us.” 

“We bring spice to Salt Lake County,” said Asha Parekh, the director of the Utah Refugee Services Office, at an event kicking of Welcoming Week last week.

The 12-day event features cooking classes, independent films and discussions about how refugees and immigrants enrich communities. 

“Utah is a kind and generous community, and Salt Lake County, as its most populous county, leads the way, said Parekh.

A list of events and information about Welcoming Week can be found at slco.org/welcoming-salt-lake.

Donations Needed

With more refugee families from Afghanistan coming to Utah, leaders are asking for donations.  

“Part of our work locally in the coming weeks will be to welcome hundreds of people who’ve been evacuated from Afghanistan as they make their way to Utah to become some of our newest neighbors,” El-Deiry said. 

However, she said they cannot do it alone.

Both Catholic Community Services and the IRC are requesting monetary contributions that can be stretched the most. As a result, the agencies can help incoming refugees start their new lives comfortably. 

The organizations are also welcoming donations of household goods, furniture, electronics, and gift cards to grocery stores. 

For ways to donate, visit rescue.org/announcement/items-needed-refugees-salt-lake-city and ccsutah.org/afghanistan-response.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Sponsored Articles

Full speed through the snow. A man on skis is pulled by his through the snow at full gallop Skijori...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get ready for an unforgettable skijoring adventure in Bear Lake!

“Skijoring the Bear” takes place this year on February 21-22 in Garden City, Utah.

the bedroom in a geodesic dome shows the night sky...

Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon

Your front row to an extraordinary cosmos show

As America's first glass dome stargazing resort, Clear Sky Resorts Bryce Canyon is one of the world’s most unique and spectacular places to stay.

2 people huddled up in a blanket and warm clothes sipping hot chocolate...

Bear Lake Convention & Visitors Bureau

The best ways to spend your Christmas vacation in Bear Lake

If you're dreaming of a white Christmas this year, Bear Lake should definitely be on your radar. Read this guide for more!

big crowd of people under holiday lights in an outdoor market...

Western Nut

Our favorite family Christmas activities in Utah

We gathered up a list of our favorite activities, movies, and treats to try this holiday season that the whole family can enjoy.

an IT tech looks at a laptop in front of a server network...

Comcast Business

Tips to protect yourself from phishing attacks

Check out this resource from Comcast Business to learn more about phishing attacks and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of one.

A surprise gift, wrapped and ready to bring holiday cheer! Whether for Christmas, a birthday, or an...

Western Nut

10 Holiday Gift Ideas to cover everyone on your list

This guide is for you if you need holiday gift ideas that will make a lasting impression. 

Salt Lake County welcomes refugees, immigrants during annual “Welcoming Week”