Dumbarton residents are appealing to the public for their help as they gather donations to support 1000 Ukraine orphans displaced by the war.
Alicja Tomar, and Gregor and Ewelina Grzegorczyk have been at the forefront of a local drive to send vital supplies to their home country of Poland where desperate Ukrainians have fled to escape Russian forces.
Last month, they arranged transport for more than a tonne of donations generously handed in by residents and have now launched another drive to support the orphans evacuated from the country.
They are calling for donations of children’s toys, as well as dry food and washing products to support some of those caring for the kids.
A raffle with prizes donated by local businesses has also being held to raise the funds needed to transport the items, which will cost £1000.
The response to the previous appeal was so huge they had to find storage units after Gregor and Ewelina’s Castlehill home became packed to the rafters with bags of donations.
However, Alicja says donations have slowed down in recent weeks and encouraged residents to get involved if they can.
She said: “We still have a lot of donations left from the first collection which is why we decided to put on more transport.
“There was a much bigger response initially but it’s been quieter and slower this time.
“I know more people are struggling themselves now too with the prices of everything going up but we are grateful to receive any donations.
“All the money raised from the raffle will go towards paying the transport.
“We’ve raised £500 so far so still have some money to raise.”
The donations will be split between Ukrainian orphanages which are currently located in the Ossa Conference Centre in Poland, and those caring for children in the Biała Rawska region who are in desperate need of donations.
Alicja said: “There are around 1000 orphans and we need things like nappies, baby food and we’re looking for activities for them like colouring books.
“We’ve also been collecting cards from children to send to Ukraine children.
“The ones we’ve received have been beautiful with messages of hope.
“I cried when I looked through them.
“We’re still looking for cards if anybody would like to send one.”
The list of donations required include dry food, such as cereal, jam and pasta, washing powder, cleaning products, hair brushes, bands and clips, plastic cups, bowls, cutlery and plated and children’s socks and underwear.
They are also appealing for donations of sweets, colouring pencils, pens, plasticine, slime, kinetic sand and puzzles.
There were 19 prizes are on offer in the raffle, including a £100 Angela Ingram jewellery voucher, £50 Cardross Inn voucher and afternoon tea for two at Ardardan Estate, which was drawn on Sunday. Other local businesses involved include The Toy Shop, Haveli Family Buffet Restaurant, Soni’s Brow and Beauty, Erin’s Devilish Delights and You’ll Love Our Home Bakes.
Anybody interested in donating items should contact Alicja Tomar on Facebook.
