By now, many of us have seen the images of a panicked mass of people chasing down the C-17 cargo plane as it leaves the airstrip in Kabul, Afghanistan. The people are seeking refuge from the Taliban threat that took back the besieged country just weeks after U.S. military forces withdrew from the region.

After a 20-year war that left the country battered, scarred and divided, thousands of Afghan refugees are expected to be flown into the country and to be met with help, water, food, shelter and safety.

It is not yet clear how many refugees are expected to be resettled in the Seattle-Tacoma area, but Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is arranging for the accommodations needed to provide for the refugees.

The organization is currently accepting volunteers for a number of services including: apartment setup, airport pickup, meal assistance, transportation assistance, mentorship, tutoring, English as a second language aide, and writing to a Congressperson on behalf of Afghan allies.

If you are looking to donate or volunteer, you can visit their website here.