Aggies aid Ukrainian refugees
The Pi Sigma Alpha and Utah State University International Studies Club assembled a supply drive for Ukrainians from April 12-14.
“The ISC presidency and I had been brainstorming ways to help support the Ukrainian people, and we were extremely excited to get involved when prof. Flint and Dr. Cann proposed the idea of a charity/supply drive,” said Sabrina Allen, the president of the ISC.
Allen was able to get in touch with the Lifting Hands International organization through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the organization that will be sending the supplies donated to people in need in Ukraine.
“I was able to get in contact with Lifting Hands International through the service-centered website JustServe, which connects individuals with local service opportunities and organizations,” Allen said. “I saw that LHI was actively looking for donations to send to Ukrainian refugees in Moldova and Romania.”
Allen was able to get in contact with people to be able to send the supplies to Ukraine.
Lauren Cunningham, the president of Pi Sigma Alpha, said she has been very involved in arranging this supply drive and spreading the word about it.
“I have personally been extremely involved by setting up dates and times, reserving a classroom in the TSC for the donations, creating a flier and distributing it around the USU campus, sending out emails with the flier and details, sharing with classes and professors to spread the word,” Cunningham said.
The Russia-Ukraine war has caused property damage and displaced about 11 million people, according to Reuters. There have been at least 40,000 lives lost.
People in Ukraine have had to flee their country in masses, leaving behind their lives, belongings and family members. These people need simple necessities of life like underwear, socks, lightweight jackets, baby diapers and feminine hygiene pads.
Lifting Hands International is actively helping Ukrainian refugees get the supplies and help they need.
Though the Ukraine Supply Drive is over, the Utah for Ukraine supply drive at the University of Utah is still going if there are items you still want to donate. Lifting Hands International is accepting monetary donations at this time.
Photo by Phil Weber