OJINAGA — This week the Presidio County Democrats traveled to Ojinaga to drop off donations to the Ojinaga Migrant Center.
The group collected and donated bedding, clothing and children’s games. The Presbyterian Church in Marfa prepared toiletry bags and personal items for men and women. The shelter is still in need of pampers, walkers and school supplies. Leaders of the Presidio Democrats, Ramon Aranda and Hilary Scruggs Beebe, extended gratitude to everyone who has donated supplies so far.
“We’d like to cordially thank all the people in the communities and volunteers who donated to this effort,” Aranda wrote. “As we come together we demonstrate our unity and solidarity to our values. Without them, this would not be possible. Many people donated from around our beautiful county.”
Aranda and Beebe met with shelter leaders as well as Ojinaga Mayor Lucy Marrufo Acosta when they made the donation drop off and heard more about the shelter’s mission and immediate needs. They also signed a “letter of collaboration” with the city. “We are proud to extend our hand in friendship and share responsibility,” the letter reads. “The challenges faced by migrants are immense — and it is in these moments that communities on both sides of the border must come together not with fear or division, but with kindness and cooperation.”
The Ojinaga Migrant Center provides everything from medical care to therapy for all ages. Most of the migrants they are currently seeing are unaccompanied minors, Aranda said. Children often linger at the shelter the longest due to the immigration processes they go through.
Beebe said the shelter is hoping to finish some construction projects during this time of a decrease in migrations. The shelter needs to install eight mini-split air conditioners. The women’s dorm has no air conditioning at all. If anyone is willing to donate to the cause please reach out to the Presidio Democrats at blue@presidiocountydemocratic.party.