Hygiene kits distributed to refugees arriving at International Center of Kentucky

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A local bank is making it easier for refugees to feel welcome in our community by providing 500 hygiene bags.

Albert Mbanfu, the executive director of the International Center of Kentucky, tells us how much this means to the refugees who received the bags.

He says, “We all want to look, smell and feel good. And this is something that many people take for granted that we really value, and we want to pass that value over to the newcomers.”

Everyday necessities like soap and deodorant can be seen as something that can be easily obtained, but if you don’t know where to get these products, you may face challenges.

Justin Morris, the president of Service One Credit Union, shares his perspective on this good deed.

He says, “It helps to take a step back. When we identified some unique challenges that were faced by refugees and immigrants entering into our community. You know, things that you now take for granted, like going in and opening a bank account. It’s a lot more difficult for somebody who’s new to our country.”

This local bank is doing more than just providing hygiene supplies, it’s also helping to provide bank accounts to those new to our community.

Justin also says, “It is way more than just just hygiene. You know, it’s about, you know, dignity and feeling welcome in a community. And I feel that everybody has a responsibility in that.”

“That love that they have for the newcomers into the community. And this is, what any civil society wants to see. People who give back to the community to make them feel that they are part of the United States,” Mbanfu says.