Until now, assisting refugee families seeking asylum in the United States has been a remote issue.

Concerned local individuals, disturbed by the mistreatment of families who have taken the initiative to seek a better life for themselves and their children, have become involved.

Janice Holden and Mary Jo Miller are among several volunteers who are aiding refugees dropped off by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Phoenix.

The individuals and families travel for days by bus or plane with little or no food or money to reach sponsors throughout the United States.

They emphasized that ICE vetted and approved these refugees to receive asylum status.

Holden and Miller said the volunteers are not affiliated with any political party. “We believe all people deserve to be treated humanely,” they said.

Their efforts are diverse. They collect non-perishable food, gently used clothing and shoes. Books, small stuffed animals, coloring books and crayons for the children as they travel to their sponsors also are accepted.

They host refugees in their families overnight, providing them with a hot shower, a healthy meal and transport them to the bus terminal or airport.

The volunteers assist in preparing and serving meals at sanctuary churches and assist in sorting the clothing donations.

Money also is collected to purchase supplies, medicine and food for their travel. A GoFundMe page has been created at gofundme.com/az-refugee-aid.

Until a central location can be arranged to accept donations, Holden said local residents can contact her by phone or email to drop off donations or arrange for pickup. Her phone number is 917-375-8172; email janiceholden1007@gmail.com.

Miller’s contact information is 602-743-9955 or email maryjoandken@icloud.com.