The Indiana National Guard ceased collecting donations for Afghan evacuees at Camp Atterbury on Dec. 10. However, Team Rubicon is continuing its donation efforts with a new focus.
Since September, the veteran-led nonprofit has helped coordinate donations for Afghan evacuees waiting to be settled across the country.
Michael Martel, operations associate for Team Rubicon, said the group’s donation site at the Johnson County Amphitheater in Edinburgh is open, but many smaller items are being relocated based on the diminishing population of evacuees in need.
The next phase of the resettlement effort will be transitioning guests from military bases into permanent housing, Martel said.
“The donation drive is going to shift a little bit from the standard clothing- those immediate needs that we needed right off,” he said. “Now we’re going to be shifting into more of the furniture, brand new mattresses.”
Camp Atterbury reported more than 1.6 million items had been donated by Dec. 1.
“The success of this initiative to support Operations Allies Welcome reaffirms the undeniable fact that Hoosier Hospitality is alive and well,” Gov. Eric Holcomb said in a press release.
Camp Atterbury is expected to house evacuees through the end of January.
READ MORE: 2,500 evacuees remain at Camp Atterbury, officials still aiming for January close
“As of Dec. 1, more than 300 Afghans have been resettled in Indiana with the potential for up to a total of 700 to be resettled in Indiana in the coming weeks,” the Indiana Department of Homeland Security said in a statement.
Martel said Team Rubicon has been asked to assist operations at Camp Atterbury through Jan. 7, but the group could extend services depending on guest needs.
