As the headlines have shifted from the war’s end in Afghanistan, the needs are far from over for the refugees displaced from their home, and Madison College is doing its part to assist. 

On Friday Sept. 17, the college hosted a donation drive of basic necessities (winter clothes, baby supplies and other everyday essentials) that would be taken directly to Fort McCoy where over 8,000 refugees have made the military base their temporary, emergency housing. 

“It’s about coming together as a community,” said Nicole Soulier, a community engagement coordinator at Madison College. “I think, especially in these times with the pandemic and all of the injustices we see in the world on the news, we really think about how people are affected.” 

Soulier orchestrated the donation drive. For her it’s an important mission that goes beyond the physical. 

“My hope is that we can have some empathy around some of that stuff and that this can help build some empathy around some of those things as well and give us some good to work towards.” 

For those who were not able to participate in the donation drive, there are other opportunities with various organizations. There has not yet been a confirmation on whether Madison College will host another donation drive. 

“I would really encourage folks to learn more about what’s happening and thinking about ways that people are affected,” Soulier concluded. 

After all, community is Madison College’s middle name.

Financial Contributions: 

The Ho-Chunk Nation promoted the Kindle Project Afghanistan Fund for those who would like to give monetary donations. 

The Kindle Project Afghanistan Fund provides support to organizations working with artists, women and girls who are at risk inside Afghanistan or have managed to relocate outside of the country. 

Their goal is to raise a minimum of $250,000 as soon as possible. 

• Link to more information on the Kindle Project: https://kindleproject.org/ 

• Donations can be made online at: https://kindleproject.org/give-now/  or send a check: Make Check out to Common Counsel Foundation with “Afghanistan” in the memo line.