15 Dec 2008

Help Bring Christmas to Afghanistan

Image by UnicefIran

Hello everyone,

As you know I’ve been working in Afghanistan since last summer and have had a wonderful opportunity to mix with the local Afghans in Kabul and learn more about their culture and traditions. Being already fortunate enough to speak Persian (Farsi), I have been able to speak to them in their native tongue (Persian Dari) and have made many friends in the process. Then, they started to tell me about their stories.

They Need Your Help

I know it is hard to imagine life on the other side of the world, but seeing it firsthand has given me an entirely new perspective on life and culture. Try to imagine living with only 2 hours of electricity per day, which you can only afford if you earn a suitable living. Try to imagine living through winters similar to our North East without any form of central heating. The average “working” Afghan, and I say this because there are far too few jobs available, makes $200-$300 American Dollars per month! Now imagine trying to ration that money to buy clothes, food, transportation, firewood, and medical costs. Doesn’t add up does it?

Well, since I was blessed to be born in the United States with a roof over my head and food in my refrigerator, I thought that this Christmas would be a perfect time to share some of my fortune with the less fortunate Afghans that I’ve met along my way. I cannot tell you how many times I have been asked for shoes, shirts, fleece sweaters, jackets, and food from young children and even adults. It is heartbreaking to see so many people struggling, while I return to my quarters with heaters and plenty of supplies.

How You Can Help

I am currently putting together a food and clothing drive of sorts and I am hoping to receive not only your help, but the help of anyone and everyone you know. If you have any new or used clothing of any type, please send it to the address below and I will personally make sure it is handed out to needy children and adults. Warm weather clothing is especially helpful, although anything will do. Shoes and jackets are the most requested items, but please send what you can.

We are also accepting food, particularly non-perishable food that can be prepared without a microwave and using a hot-plate or stove. It is obvious to me that people cannot afford to feed their families when they require their young children (often 5-6 years old) to work selling items on the street to anyone willing to buy.

Please help me get the word out by Emailing, Stumbling, Tweeting, Bookmarking, and Blogging about this cause. Although the cause is informal, the effort is certainly worthy and important. If you like, I can send you a photo of the person receiving the gift by simply sending a note in your package. In time, I may post photos on this site as well, so stay tuned for updates on the program.

Remember, help me get the word out, I cannot do it on my own and thank you for listening.

Send the items here:

Nathan Hangen

MIST-A

APO-AE 09356