The Catholic Sisters who run the Kino Border Initiative in Nogales, Mexico, have a big job. Every day, they provide meals, guidance, and things like soap and toothbrushes to people either seeking asylum in the United States or who have been recently deported. The needs are diverse – and so is their response.
Sitting within a mile of the U.S. and Mexico border, these Sisters feel deeply the incredible challenges families face as they make difficult decisions and an uncertain future. They know that staying safe is a big worry for most people – they don’t always know who to trust or where to seek support.
That’s where the backpacks come in.
“When people are deported,” said Sister Amelia, “They’re all given the same bag to keep their belongings. Everyone knows this is the bag for deported people. It puts them at risk.”
These families are incredibly vulnerable. And people looking to exploit that know how to spot them in a crowd with their clearly marked bags. The Sisters wanted to change that – and we wanted to make it happen.
We filled our shopping baskets to the brim with enough new backpacks to give the next big batch of arrivals bags that will help them to blend in, not stick out.
Most of us take for granted the ability to blend in, to go unnoticed. This small change is a way for some families to feel that again. To find their way in peace.
