MCKEES ROCKS, Pa. — Volunteers gathered at the St. Mary Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Wednesday to sort through hundreds and hundreds of donated items for soldiers and civilians in Ukraine.
PHOTOS: Volunteers pack boxes of donations for families in Ukraine
“People have been very generous,” said Father Tim Tomson. “It lifted my spirit, and gives you faith in humanity.”
Tomson hopes to load up the boxed items and get them to a New Jersey shipping facility called “Meest” on Friday. From there, they’ll be flown to Ukraine via the non-profit group “Revived Soldiers Ukraine.”
“This is happening all over the world,” he said, gesturing to the volunteers, who spent hours sorting through military boots, snacks and other items for packing.
Several volunteers are Ukrainian natives, including Alla Kovtun, who was born and raised in Kyiv and still has family members there.
“I’m very scared,” she told us, noting that she is thankful for everyone who is supporting their efforts.
Even young kids took part in volunteering on Wednesday.
Six-year-old Sophia and her older sister spent time drawing photos of rainbows to be included within the packages.
“So they could be happy, and we hope for them to be safe, this will make them happy, a nice picture for everything will be ok,” Sophia said.
Sophia said that she has family in Ukraine, too, and hopes to visit one day.
“Every land and city has to be at peace, every land can’t fight and fight, it’ll be bad.” the six-year-old told us. “God won’t like that. He has to make all of his angels do something.”
The church is continuing to accept donated items. People can mail monetary donations to the church or drop off donations weekdays from about 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sundays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Click here for a list of needed items.
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