While there's been no update on when two Syrian Refugee families will arrive in Portage, the Portage and Area Refugee Coalition isn't letting the grass grow beneath them. They're hoping to raise some funds for their work, to cover housing and other ongoing expenses to ensure a smooth transition for the families when they finally arrive in the city. They're holding a two-day clothing sale starting Friday, where some of the donated clothes that won't be needed by the families will be sold. Coalition member John Dolloff says the proceeds from the sale will go a long way to ensuring they're able to accommodate the families once they finally arrive.

"It will help us cover the costs of the project. We've been waiting for refugees to arrive for some time, and have houses and things so we also have expenses we're covering. Every little bit will help toward that."

He's hoping to see great support for the sale, describing the ongoing support from the community as fantastic. Dolloff says he's heard no shortage of questions surrounding when the two families will be arriving in Portage, but says he's encouraged by the ongoing interest. He notes Portagers have been so generous toward this cause, and that's the reason they're able to hold the sale.

"We have basically everything we need for families to arrive. In fact, as you can see from the fact we're having a sale we have a surplus of various items. We're very thankful to the community for all of their support."

He hopes to be providing an update on the families' arrival in the near future, but says it's hard to say just when they'll have more details. The two-day clothing sale takes place Friday evening between four and seven o'clock, and continues between ten o'clock in the morning, and two o'clock in the afternoon on Saturday.