World Relief Seattle helps displaced people start a new life in the Pacific Northwest. These are some of their stories, and the stories of volunteers who have made a difference.

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First Christmas Party

“Can we find Santa, Mary and Jesus in the same place?”

This is the question asked by one refugee at our Kent Christmas party. Cal Uomoto, director of World Relief, proceeded to tell the “real Christmas” story.

For this predominantly Muslim group, it was a time to enjoy cake, pistachio nuts and hear the story of the birth of Jesus.

“The Turk families are doing very well. They are learning English and working hard in their new jobs,”

says Cal. After years of suffering as stateless refugees in the former Soviet Union, they are for the first time accepted in society.

The party ended with Christmas presents—all 68 refugees went home wearing a new pair of gloves.

If you are interested in volunteering with refugee families living in Kent, WA. contact Carla Hunt at chunt@wr.org.

World Relief, along with our team of volunteers and donors, helped over 600 refugees begin new lives last year in the Puget Sound.