School supplies donated to help Ukrainian refugees in New Jersey

RIDGEWOOD, N.J. — The back-to-school season generally is a irritating time of yr, and that is very true for numerous Ukrainian households who’re beginning over in a model new place.

As CBS2’s Nick Caloway experiences, a bunch in Bergen County is making an attempt to lighten the load.

At St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Ridgewood, a military of volunteers, lots of them in highschool, spent the day stuffing backpacks with necessities.

The provides had been donated by individuals close to and much. Valuable time because the summer time winds down was additionally given totally free.

“I feel it is our responsibility, as individuals, to be compassionate for each other,” mentioned Kate Hoffman, a senior at Ridgewood Excessive College.

Fifty of the back-to-school packs got to Ukrainian households who needed to go away their homeland and are available right here with nearly nothing.

Highschool freshman Anastasia Bard and her household moved from Kharkiv to New Milford two months in the past.

“I really feel scared. However I feel it is actually, like, tremendous that we will get that. As a result of … it could assist,” she mentioned.

Lyubov Ferara was born in Ukraine and has lived in Bergen County the final six years. She’s been serving to her individuals for the reason that battle began.

“Perhaps the primary day, when the information broke, I used to be numb. I did not know what to do. I used to be misplaced. However then I made a decision I’ll do one thing that I can management,” she mentioned.

Within the basement of St. Elizabeth’s, a former nursery has been transformed right into a free retailer for Ukrainian refugees.

Rev. Andy Olivo mentioned the group is popping prayer into motion.

“This room crammed up in a matter of days. There’s simply form of a lot stuff coming in,” he mentioned.

The summer time is ending, however the mission will proceed. Volunteers say they may proceed giving provides and their time so long as obligatory.