Military wives, Southern Pines business combine to provide soft landing for Afghan refugees

As Afghan refugees flee to the United States, two North Carolina military wives have stepped up to provide whatever donations they can collect to make those arrivals more welcoming.

"Could you imagine coming over here with absolutely nothing in a culture that is not like yours," volunteer Michelle McGann asked. "Making sure they have those essentials is really important."

She doesn't want arriving refugees to worry about the things Americans might take for granted – cleaning supplies, bedding and other materials.

"I can't imagine what it'd be like," McGann said, "and I think that's why it pulls so heavy at my heart strings, especially as a mom."

McGann connected with Gold Star spouse Britt Harris online. The two military wives teamed to collect donations and worked with Welcome House Raleigh to get those donations, including beds from Sweet Dreams Mattresses & More in Southern Pines, to refugees arriving in the Triangle.

"My heart aches for these people," Harris said. "It's so easy to just give, so I see no reason you wouldn't want to help."

Keith Moneymaker, owner of Sweet Dreams Mattresses & More, said he was providing "mattresses, box springs, bed frames, sheets, pillows and mattress protectors – the full works for whatever they need."

McGann says after refugees are given permanent housing they'll be provided with these essentials as they adjust to life after evacuation.