Young refugees at the Vineyard Apartment in East Dallas revel in their newly gifted toys. (Photo from DFW International Community Alliance)

Young refugees revel in their newly gifted toys. (Photo from DFW International Community Alliance)

Hundreds of newly settled refugee children across the metroplex were presented with gifts this weekend, including dozens who live in Lake Highlands. The effort, organized by DFW International Community Alliance, was meant to make the residents feel welcome in their new country.

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“Contrary to fears expressed in the media, the refugees have seen a very warm reception from North Texans and support for Syrians in increasing every day,” says spokeswoman Anne Marie Weiss-Armush. 

Around 485 toys were donated by neighbors to refugee children. (Photo from DFW International Community Alliance)

Around 485 toys were donated by neighbors to refugee children. (Photo from DFW International Community Alliance)

The event was planned to coincide with Eid Al Adha, the Festival of the Sacrafice, considered the holiest holiday on the Muslim calendar, which runs from Sept. 11-15 this year. Volunteers across the metroplex collected toys and delivered them to 485 refugee children from Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, Iraq, Rwanda and Iran. Each volunteer “adopted” their own neighborhood and was responsible for finding donors to sponsor the cost of new toys, and matching those donations. They then spent Saturday and Sunday delivering the gifts and meeting the families.