Local Ukrainian-Americans sending supplies, clothes overseas
Metropolitan Detroit Ukrainian-Americans continue to send supplies to their homeland to help thousands of Ukrainians displaced by the military conflict and those supporting fighters.
One organization recently sent a load of mostly medical and first-responder supplies, and another organization is collecting supplies, clothes and household items through the end of June to transport to Ukraine.
“They’re giving until it hurts, and then they give some more,” said Andrey Duzyj of Warren, of contributors to the effort by the Detroit Chapter of the Ukrainian Congress of America, which has made several shipments.
The Congress last week packed up a shipment of supplies collected at Dnipro Ukrainian Gift Shop on Ryan Road in Warren, next to the Ukrainian Cultural Center.
Government-back Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting Russian-backed rebels in eastern Ukraine for more than a year after Russia took over the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine.
The America-based Save Ukraine Now, formed last year, is collecting supplies this month as part of its “Ukrainian Survival Campaign.” Goods are being accepted at Immaculate Conception School in Warren, St. Josephat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Warren, Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Evergreen Road north of Eight Mile Road in Southfield and Our Lady of Perpetual Help Ukrainian Catholic Church on Joy Road in Dearborn Heights. The items will be shipped in a 40 foot by 40 foot container.
The bulk of the items will go to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians displaced to other parts of the country from their home in certain areas of eastern Ukraine due to the conflict.
“We need anything necessary for day-to-day life,” said Vera Andrushkiw, a member of SUN and other Ukrainian organizations. “We’re doing well but we still need to do more.”
Andrushkiw said a variety of items is needed, from toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes to toys for children. Also needed are items specific for senior citizens and the disabled, such as walkers, she said.
Andrushkiw praised officials at Immaculate Conception, which donated a classroom-sized room to gather items. At Immaculate Conception, located near 12 Mile and Ryan roads, people who wish to donate can drop off items from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays.
At St. Josaphat, on Ryan Road south of 11 Mile Road, the dedicated collection time is 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.
People can also donate money at bank accounts set up at Ukrainian Future Credit Union and Ukrainian Self Reliance credit union, both in Warren.
Jameson Cook
