Welcome Baskets FAQ

Below are answers to commonly asked questions about Welcome Baskets for World Relief Spokane. If you have a question that isn’t answered here, contact Patt Walker at 509.484.9829 x145!
 
Will I get to meet the family that will receive my welcome basket? Will I be able to deliver my welcome basket directly to a family?

Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate this type of request. World Relief Spokane will collect the welcome baskets and distribute them as families arrive.  Because we setup apartments for newly arrived refugees at varying times during the week and these items must be in place when the family arrives, we are unable to schedule times for donors to deliver the welcome baskets directly to refugees.

However, if you wish to hear the story of a refugee similar to the one who will receive your welcome baskets, we would be happy to help!  When you deliver your welcome baskets (or we pick them up), just let us know!  Additionally, if you would like to meet a family we highly recommend that you consider volunteering as a life skills mentor or ESL tutor.  Attend a volunteer orientation for more information!
 
Does World Relief Spokane accept items not included in the welcome baskets?

Absolutely!  For a more complete list of the items we accept visit our donations page.  If you would like to donate additional items at the same time as a welcome basket, please keep the additional items separate from your welcome basket.
 
Does World Relief Spokane accept used items?

Yes, we accept used clothing and household times.  However, due to the rising cost of disposing items please keep the following in mind.

1. World Relief cannot accept used toiletry items (shampoo, soap, etc.)
2. World Relief cannot accept any food times
3. Please do not donate dirty, well-worn clothing or household items.  A good rule of thumb: if YOU wouldn’t buy it at a thrift store, do not donate it.

 
Why do you want these particular items in the welcome baskets?

The U.S. government gives World Relief a list of items that each refugee must receive when they arrive in Spokane. This is called the “Standards of Care” or SOC list.  All the items to be included in the welcome baskets are on the SOC list.
 
What if I want to help provide a welcome basket, but I’m not interested in purchasing the items myself?

You can still help!  Consider hosting a collection drive at your church or school.  Or if you’d like to provide financial assistance for World Relief to purchase these items for a refugee, you can do that!  Send checks for $30 made out to World Relief to:

Please write “Welcome Basket” in the memo line.
 
Is my gift tax deductible?
 
Yes!  World Relief is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. When you drop of your welcome baskets, or they are picked up, we would be happy to provide you with a tax receipt for your donation.   For further information on how to claim your gift, contact your tax professional.