BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WBKO) -- A Tuesday morning spent shopping at Walmart for 67 Bowling Green refugees, thanks to the International Center and Islamic Center.

Bowling Green refugee children ready for winter

Huda Melky, Board Member of the Bowling Green International Center and liaison for the Islamic Center, says no matter what your background is, it's all about the kids.

"Black, white, Muslim or Christian, it doesn't matter. We are here for the children."

"The refugees, they're so excited, they're overwhelmed. Some of those kids have no shoes, have no coats, they never really experienced cold weather. And, we do know how cold it can get in December, January, but now they are ready to experience that," Huda Melky added.

As refugees go from aisle to aisle picking out clothes for the winter season, International Center Executive Director Albert Mbanfu says it's like going from nothing to everything.

"Many of the refugees are coming from the tropics, places where it's excessively hot. And, with the cold air coming in right now, we started being so worried and we got in touch with the Islamic Center and they said whatever the number is, we're going to provide them warm clothing and many more," Albert Mbanfu added.

Bowling Green Islamic Center Imam Sedin Agic says it's all about making sure they know they're welcomed.

"It's one of the main points, to make them smile. They're facing a lot of challenges leaving their country coming here. We're just trying to show them we're good people here in good society, Bowling Green in general," Sedin Agic stated.

And volunteers like Elder Chandler Rowland know his help is just as beneficial for him as the refugees.

"You know, it's humbling. It makes me count my many blessings but it's great to help them."

Once the refugees checked everything off their list and proceeded to check out, Albert Mbanfu's graciousness toward Bowling Green's generosity continues to soar.

"To show generosity, to show kindness, to show that love which is the hallmark of America is all about, and that we will always strive and succeed as one," Albert Mbanfu mentioned.

The International Center and the Islamic Center will take another large group of refugees to Walmart Wednesday afternoon to help them prepare for the cold as well.

If you are interested in volunteering, donating time, items or money towards the refugees, click on the attached link to take you to the Bowling Green International Center's website.

http://www.wbko.com/content/news/Bowling-Green-refugee-children-ready-for-winter-401359835.html

100 REFUGEE KIDS READY FOR WINTER THANKS TO THE ISLAMIC CENTER

http://www.wnky.com/story/33716623/100-refugee-kids-ready-for-winter-thanks-to-the-islamic-cente

100 REFUGEE KIDS READY FOR WINTER THANKS TO THE ISLAMIC CENTER

Posted: Nov 15, 2016 1:54 PM CSTUpdated: Nov 15, 2016 1:54 PM CST

Bowling Green, KY (WNKY-TV) - About 100 refugee children recently resettled in Bowling Green are now ready for winter thanks to a $10,000 donation from the Islamic Center and a shopping trip to Walmart Tuesday.

"This is the American way. We all help each other, we are here to help these kids," said Huda Melky the International Center Liaison to the Islamic Center.

For all of the families, this is their first winter, since they've been in the country for less than 3 months.

"We will provide them shoes, socks, warm clothing, gloves, pajamas, etcetera," said Albert Mbanfu the Director of the International Center. 

For Islamic Center Preacher, Sedien Agic, it was never even a possibility not to help.

"I mean there is no why, there is need, so whenever there is need we should help that's why we are here, together, as humans, to help each other," said Agic.

That sentiment was also shared by volunteers who showed up unexpectedly to help.

"I believe in goodness, and kindness and decency and sharing and I think to myself how would I want to be treated if the circumstances were reversed," said volunteer Muriel Kanan.

For the families they are just beyond grateful for the generosity they've experienced so far in our country.

"This is so big to us, we are having some help with the clothing especially now that it is cold and our children are going to have some clothing and they are  going to be warm," said one of the refugee families.

Now the families are left with warm smiles, laughs and clothes, ready to take on the Kentucky winter. 

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