Weekly Review of Ukraine Efforts
Let’s review what I did with regards to Ukraine and the relief efforts.
First of all, a couple of the local places I had helped early on in the process have closed down to Ukrainians and gone back to their original use (they were both schools - one was a gymnasium and one a boarding school).
So what all did I do with regards to this? I do try to take photos just to remind myself of what I’ve done if for no other reason!
Monday
Rachel Hughes and I went shopping for some basic food supplies and some personal hygiene items for a group of Ukrainians in Otwock - but at the time of purchasing, I didn’t know how many there were. I had only read that the needs were quite big. So, we went to two grocery stores - both Lidl and Biedronka and then went to deliver the things.
What we found was a place with 120 people - 48 school age children and women. Once the boys turn 18, they have to leave this place. We talked to the one lady, Tonia and one of those two boys above is her son but she said that once he turns 18 he will leave and go back to Ukraine and fight in the war.
After talking with Tonia, we found out that they needed school supplies including 5 backpacks for boys/guys.
Tuesday
Rachel Hughes and I went to a sporting good store after we checked out a store that had a tent with school supplies. Then we went to a third store and finally took it all to them at the locale where all these ladies and children are staying.
Oh…I was the taxi - but Rachel paid for these things with her money - I just helped her know what to get and I was the transportation and advice. :)
Thursday
Sept 1 is the official first day of school here in Poland. By that they have an opening meeting where the kids meet with their new teachers, get a list of what all they need to buy and are dismissed til the next day.
I had been contacted by a lady on Facebook about buying some school supplies for a little Ukrainian girl entering school for the first time - first grade. I told her we would be happy to do so. This young girl is not part of that other group - she lives in a town just a bit farther away - but still in our area. So, while the parents and kids were all in school meetings, I headed for the office supply/school supplies store with my list. In short order I was able to get these things. Thankfully the little girl didn’t need a backpack since someone else had already gotten that for her.
You all got her these things.
When I delivered the things to the contact, I asked for a photo. They sent the photo of Angelika with her new school supplies.
Oh, if you noticed that pair of shoes - they have to have school shoes with white soles for school only. They will change into these once they get in the doors and before they walk in the main part of the school.
I did dig around my kids’ old stuff and came up with the paintbrushes as they needed a thin and thick one and I saw no reason why she couldn’t use second-hand. I also threw a cute second-hand eraser that looked like a pink Lego brick out of my junk drawer in the kitchen.
In case you are curious what I had to get - it’s this -
1 32 page plain paper notebook, 3 pads of colored paper, 2 pads of thicker white paper, 2 pads of thicker colored paper, 1 large pad of heavweight paper, 1 large pad of heavweight colored paper, 3 pads of what they called colored paper, 3 folders with a rubber band type enclosure, 2 paintbrushes—thick and thin, poster paint, 3 packages of a sort of play-doh type thing - called plastelina - for use in crafts, 3 pencils, 2 erasers, 2 pencil sharpeners, 5 glue sticks, a set of magic markers, colored pencil set, crayons, pastels, scissors, a pack of 500 sheets of copy paper for the school office :), a pencil case which closes with a zipper.
Here’s a short video of what I got. Rachael wants to see ME in the photos, but it’s actually not about me - it’s about the stuff. Sorry, Rachael. :) Maybe next week. I’ll get better - I promise.
And that is it. I didn’t spend a lot of time on Ukraine stuff. Obviously I actually did more than this shows as you have to talk to people about what they need, meet them, buy or order things - so more than this shows, but compared to what I’ve been doing, not that much.
But they’ve been working on our road now for a little while. I’m glad the timing worked out as it has and not before as the road work is making it difficult to get in and our of our yard.
And there you are - this week I’ve spent a lot of time working on charity tops and not necessarily Ukrainian relief. I’m trying to get back on track with my other goals for the year.
Thanks for coming along with me on this journey!
And have a great Labor Day! (for those of you in the USA)
Be sure to check out what my sis has for you in the store here!
This “no floral blues” is sure to please! There are lots of times when flowers are not what you need! Check it out!
Get it here - only $30 for all 10 pieces (half yards).
Feel free to browse the site.