Local donations for Afghanistan refugees headed to Fort McCoy; More organizations stepping up to help

NOW: Local donations for Afghanistan refugees headed to Fort McCoy; More organizations stepping up to help
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GREENFIELD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Local donations for Afghanistan refugees being housed at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin left from House of Harley in Greenfield Monday morning, Sept. 13. 

A 20-foot-trailer truck filled with items pulled out at 7 a.m. headed towards Fort McCoy. 

Veterans organized the fundraiser, collecting the items over Labor Day weekend. They say they've gathered $150,000 dollars worth of supplies from 2,500 donors.

Sam Rogers, an Afghanistan veteran, told CBS 58 helping these refugees is personal to him. 

"My first deployment a translator saved my life," said Rogers. "The debt that I personally feel to these guys is great. I'm just really glad I was able to give back to them, and it's just overwhelming, the support from the Wisconsin community. I really think this is who we are as people."

About 10,000 refugees are staying at Fort McCoy and there's still a need for items.

House of Harley will continue to collect donations. 

Racine County and The Salvation Army have also set up collection sites. 

The Salvation Army is collecting new items at the Oak Creek location. 

Ken Tregellas, the emergency services coordinator for the Salvation Army, said having new, necessary items will help refugees with the difficult transition. 

"We're trying to be culturally sensitive to what the people wear and need, so we're looking for long sleeves, long pants, not shorts, not revealing-type clothing. Those are just things they wouldn't normally wear," Tregellas said. 

They're also asking food, socks, bottles and baby formula, as well as children's clothing. 

You can drop off items at the Oak Creek Community Center at 8853 S Howell Ave in Oak Creek. 

Racine County is also collecting donations to help Afghan refugees.

Donations can be taken to the Racine County Department of Human Services at 1717 Taylor Ave. in Racine.

CLICK HERE for a list of necessary items. If you can't make it in, CLICK HERE to purchase items from an Amazon Registry.

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