5 Ways to help preschoolers separated from their parents in ‘tender age’ shelters

1. Donate baby supplies through Baby2Baby

Baby2Baby , a Los Angeles-based organization dedicated to “providing low-income children ages 0-12 years with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities” is partnering with Kids in Need of Defense to create bundles of highly needed items to be distributed to immigrant children who need them. Donations can be made through Baby2Baby’s Target registry.

2. Sign the ACLU’s petition

With just a few keystrokes you can add your voice to the growing chorus of opposition and let the Secretary of Homeland Security know that you stand against the separation of children from their parents.

3. Call your reps

The ACLU has made it easy for people to call their senators and let them know that this is not okay. Plug your phone number and zip code into the ACLU website and it’ll connect your call for you . When a congressional staffer picks up the call, just introduce yourself, state the zip code you’re calling from and say “I’m urging the Senator to denounce the family separation policy and use all of Congress’ authority to stop it.”

Even if you’ve already called your senator yesterday, you can do it again today. Call your congressperson when you have a moment, too. You can find the direct contact info for your House Representative and State Senators at callyourrep.co .

4. Write an email or letter

Find the email and post addresses for your reps through govtrack.us . Write a quick note, or copy and paste the form letter the NAACP has prepared .

5. Make a donation to RAICES

The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) reunites families by paying the immigration bonds of parents detained separately from their children. These bonds are set at a minimum of $1500, so most detained parents do not have the resources to pay the bond that would get them released from ICE custody. Donations to RAICES can help do that and get children back in the arms of their parents.