Came from a mecca of Atheist activity, including our Atheist Community Center! Problem was, Atheists tend to think for themselves, thus find little need to participate in group activities. Ours did, though participation dwindled… as it appeared to me we were simply imitating ‘church oriented social activities’ (Frank Zappa).

As far as what I’d send to the detainees..? Maybe a bus ticket home, though, our Federal taxes are being spent as we speak keeping them safe from the elements..

@katsarecool have you google searched any places that you can do these kind of activities in your area? When I did, there were a lot of places around me (a lot more than I realized), where I could be a part of organizations that do things just like this that I could either donate to or volunteer at.

I don't find that I have an aversion organizations per se as being opposed to how they might administer their "help." I belong to a couple groups though work and as a veteran and we all do some sort of outreach to help others find the footing they might need.

Its great to want to fill that shoebox with items of need or worldly wants, but appropriate actions often help more. We as atheists/agnostics don't have to become or be a member of the church to help out at say a soup kitchen or with a group lobbying to get better treatment for all detained immigrants. It may be good for us to even say "hey I don't share your theology, but I agree that we should help and thats what I'm here to do." Just remember when they say oh bless you, its just a Thank you.

There are probably some good Immigration Attorneys in your area whose office can help you find a way to help. Maybe some of their clients can use your knitted doll, maybe your local Fire Department, Red Cross, or Police Department could use similar donations as well as funds to buy more.

You clearly have good intentions and I hope you find a path to helping.