CURRENT PROJECTS:

Our Welcome is not just in “word only!”

Each semester, we collect used kitchen items and money to buy pots & pans, and welcome the New International Students with a big “Kitchen Giveaway” at the Southern Miss Baptist Student Union (BSU).

The most immediate need the students have is for a mattress to sleep on. We collect used ones from community members and students who graduate, and we also buy new mattresses as funds become available. New mattresses are the best because we avoid the problem of bedbugs! We are very thankful to Ekklesia-Hattiesburg and Walmart on Hwy 98 W. for grants this past Christmas that enabled us to buy a new mattress for every new international student in Spring intake! We would love to be able to do that again Fall semester! We expect around 200 new students to arrive August!

We have storage space donated by Latch-It Self-Storage and can store things until the new students arrive.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP FOR FALL 2024:

1) Donate clean kitchen items for the Kitchen Giveaway, or give money to buy cookware sets (about $50 each)

2) Donate mattresses, or money to buy mattresses. We like to buy the twin-size 8” memory foam mattresses at Walmart.com. (about $110 each). We have Walmart+ and can usually get free shipping. Donated Queen mattresses are usually kept in reserve for married couples.

3) Donate small used furniture items: small & medium sofas, study desks, dining tables & chairs, small chests of drawers, and bedframes. We’ll be happy to connect you with the students you are helping, and you can deliver to them yourself, or we’ll bring the students to pick them up! (Call or text Kathy at 601-402-4482). 

4) VOLUNTEER: Volunteers of every age and capacity are needed to welcome and befriend the international students! Fill out our Volunteer Registration Form and let us know how you’d like to help! https://forms.gle/uvKep3KiToo9rsjF7

5) Consider helping with the Fall Welcome Party! Be thinking of fun ideas!

MONETARY DONATIONS:

Please send checks made out to AIM-Hattiesburg, Inc. to our Treasurer:

Deana Ponder, 76 Bent Creek Loop, Hattiesburg, MS 39402

or pay by PayPal (credit or debit cards accepted)

https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DN6XZ2NEBS2SJ