Philadelphia International Airport is now the main hub for Afghan refugees coming into the United States, according to White House officials.

The region is planning for more arrivals in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, more volunteers are needed to help, reports Howard Monroe for CBSPhilly3.

Most of the 12,000 refugees that arrive at the airport are elated.

“I’d be like, ‘How are you?’” volunteer Diba Atar said. “And they’re like, ‘We’re just happy to be alive. Just happy to be here physically.’”

Atar helped translate for the Afghans.

“I just knew I wanted to be that person that I wish my parents and many of my family could’ve had when they first immigrated,” Atar said.

Stephanie Stucka, a registered nurse, was also a volunteer.

“These are the people that contributed to the U.S. mission in the war,” Stucka said. “And I believe in promises made, promises kept.”

Both volunteers are attached to the Philadelphia Health Department’s Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, helping with medical services, house placement, and other immediate needs.

Another volunteer, Kaytie Innamorati, organized a book drive for Afghan youth, collecting 200 copies of the Afghan Proverbs Illustrated book.

Read more at Philadelphia.cbslocal.com about Afghan refugees and the Philadelphia International Airport.