Bucks and Team Rubicon join together to help Afghan refugees in Wisconsin

 

MILWAUKEE (CSB 58) -- The great effort to relocate thousands of Afghan refugees continues, and the need for help is great. Saturday, Dec. 11, the Milwaukee Bucks will team up with Team Rubicon and a request for all things winter-weather related. 

With the winter donation drive, organizers hope to get enough supplies to take care of all Afghan families who are transitioning to communities in Wisconsin. 

"Our main purpose and goal is to be able to provide veterans an opportunity to serve outside of service," said Michael Martel, Operations Associate for Team Rubicon.

The first Afghan refugees arrived in Wisconsin earlier this year at Fort McCoy. The base has taken on nearly 13,000 since the first families arrived in August. 

Michael Martel says overall, he's heard overwhelming gratitude from the refugees. 

"They are taken aback by the level of generosity that people have shown and the outpouring of support," said Martel.

Saturday, the Bucks have opened up the old Bradley Center Park lot for the donation drive. 

"I just wanted to say thanks to the Bucks organization. They've been fantastic," said Martel.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, they'll be accepting clothing for men, women, and children. Team Rubicon is asking for laundry pods, Vaseline, baby powder, soap and gift cards. 

"I think people just realize the crisis is here and it has nothing to do with politics. It has to do with people. That's it. People need help, we find a way to help them. I always say if you haven't helped somebody in awhile, give it a shot. See how it feels," said Martel.

The Bucks have sweetened the deal. The first 50 fans to make a donation will get two tickets to the Bucks game vs. the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday Dec. 15.