Pat Benatar and her guitar-playing husband Neil Giraldo have added their voices to the plight of immigrant children who have been separated from their parents along the U.S.-Mexico border. But they did so with a warning.
They write on Facebook, "Before you read the post that follows, know that this is a non-partisan, humanitarian plea. Anyone who tries to spin this otherwise will be deleted and banned. Hate speech will not be tolerated and those who engage in it will be deleted and banned. Bots, trolls and bullies who think they have the right (they DON'T) to tell us to 'shut up and just sing/play,' trampling our First Amendment right as citizens and taxpayers, will be deleted and banned. Politics aside, if you want to help here are a few options:"
Donate Directly to the Kids
Baby2Baby and Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) set up a baby registry at Target to send bundles of essentials like diapers, wipes, shampoo and soap directly to immigrant children.
But most charities say the best way to help is through financial donations, not product donations. Well-vetted groups that provide humanitarian aid to migrants include Pueblo Sin Fronteras, an organization with two shelters along the border of the Sonoran Desert, and Border Angels, a volunteer coalition that provides water, free legal help and emergency services .
Support the Lawyers Fighting for Them
In just one Facebook campaign, more than $14 million has been raised for The Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), the largest immigration services legal non-profit in Texas.In addition to the Facebook initiative, you can also donate directly through their website.
Donate to Several Places at Once
ActBlue splits your donations between 12 different groups... You can donate any amount, and split it however you want between the groups. The campaign has raised more than $1.6 million so far.
Participate in a Protest
On June 30th, various advocacy groups are organizing protests across the country... Check with your local advocacy groups."