Dublin Christian Academy Students Serve Refugees in New Hampshire on Annual Day of Service

Dublin Christian Academy students learned that a bicycle is one of the greatest needs that refugees have when arrive in New Hampshire. Obtaining a driver’s license and a vehicle takes six months at a minimum, and in the meantime, a bicycle is often the only way refugees can independently get to work, language school, medical appointments, and stores. On Thursday, April 3, entire student body (PreK through 12th grade) had a part in collecting and fixing donated bicycles, packing baskets of supplies, and delivering bikes, helmets, bike locks, and baskets of basic household necessities to meet the needs of refugees in Manchester.

DCA’s annual day of service follows the school’s spring fundraiser and brings the entire school family together to give back to the community. In serving those who have had to leave their country, DCA encouraged the students to view their calling to serve refugees and immigrants as rooted in the gospel, as an expression of God’s love. In a morning assembly, upper school students visited with an Afghan refugee in Mexico via Zoom. Later in the day, Michael Mailloux and Wendy Brooks visited from the International Institute of New England (IINE). They explained the differences between immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, and humanitarian parolees, and explained the process by which refugees end up in New Hampshire when circumstances required them to leave their home country. Students heard stories about what life is like as these individuals and families adjust to new customs and cultures.

Throughout the day, students worked in shifts to make cards, pack supplies into baskets, and repair and tune up donated bicycles. By the end of the day, students in preschool through 6th grade had packed 15 baskets that contained household basics like laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap, trash bags, toilet paper, and rice. Students added handmade cards and notes to each basket. Students in 7th through 12th grade repaired and tuned up 18 bicycles, 12 of which were ready for delivery by the afternoon. DCA seniors delivered the supplies, bicycles, helmets, and bike locks to Manchester at the end of the school day.

Dublin Christian Academy gratefully acknowledges the generous support of our sponsors: Paxton Development, LLC; Form-Up Foundations; Heartline Stove Shop; Archer Properties; Rick & Diane’s Brickoven Pizza; LaserPro Foundations; Andrew George, Edward Jones Financial Advisor; Northstone Builders LLC; Amazing Rentals Management, LLC; Beds Plus, Massage by Winona, Sourdough Pizzerian, Northern Undercoatings, Menadena, At the Cross Antrim, T&J Electrical Solutions, Prime Roofing Corp., Wedgewood Pines Country Club, Morello Contruction, and JD’s Lawn Care.