FWIW, past attempts to work with our area consulate through email (and by phone) were not successful. Basically, the replies were "look online." Maybe I just had bad luck with whomever received and responded to my communication efforts, though, if others are having better luck.
I read the "don't send original documents, you won't get them back" part before, which made me very reluctant to send along a real passport without confirmation that it is indeed needed. But, I didn't look in the "refugees" section before, as that doesn't apply to my wife. But, at least the rationale for providing a real passport is made more clear by the link provided.
Thank you both for your reply.