Manuel Vera says he’s given away nearly 300 bicycles, with about 40 of them going to families from Afghanistan.

The students say the funds will contribute to the cost of household needs, including groceries and laundry, for Afghan families living at a hotel in Jessup.

As resettlement and relief agencies work with limited resources – local businesses have stepped up to provide aid to the Afghan community this Thanksgiving.

Virginia keeps the welcome mat out, and D.C. doesn’t settle any refugees.