Tucson aid groups and city officials are asking for donations from the community as a higher than usual number of asylum seekers arrive in need of assistance.
The request comes from Tucson City Council member Steve Kozachik, whose office has long been part of a robust aid network in Tucson that assists migrants and asylum seekers who have been processed by the Border Patrol and released to await U.S. court dates. Most people spent a few days of less in Tucson before connecting with family and U.S. sponsors elsewhere.
Kozachik says Tucson has seen a recent daily arrivals have ranged from 400 to a high of about 700. He says the change has strained local resources like the local Casa Alitas Welcome Center. The shelter says it's looking for unopened underwear, personal hygiene products and kids toys only — rather than clothes.
