Stamp Out Despair

Not ten miles from the Statue of Liberty there are 300 political asylees languishing in “detention”. They have no access to the outside living in a windowless, remodeled warehouse. They are not permitted to have possessions or even their own clothes. One of their only pleasures is corresponding with family and friends. The problem is that the detainees can use only pre-stamped envelopes, which they purchase from the detention center commissary for much more than the 50 cents you can purchase them for at the post office. Many detainees come here with little or no money so it difficult for them to afford the postage.

The detainees look forward to their letters. Says one, “I frequently read (your) card every single new born day.”

Help us to stamp out their despair.

You can help by donating:
Two-pocket folders (without a buisness logo)
Ruled white paper
Unruled color paper – no construction paper please
Envelopes
Pens (with caps, no springs)
Greeting cards with envelopes
Monetary donations which can be used to purchase stamps or stationary
First class national or international postage stamps
(Forever 41 cent “BELL” stamps purchased before 5/12/08 save the need for additional stamps)


Help us meet our goal and collect 3,000 stamped envelopes so we can send each detainee at least 10! You can purchase the post office pre-stamped envelopes or put a 42 cent (or Bell) stamp or 94 cent stamp on your own envelope. Send them to First Friends before June 16, 2008 and we will send them to the detainees.

This is a great project for your group, class or religious organization!

First Friends: Elizabeth Detention Center Visitors Project
321 South Broad Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Tele: (908) 965-0455
E-Mail: firstfriends2@juno.com

Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 10AM to 4PM
Call to schedule a pick up or a drop off time!