From Glendale to Ukraine: Operation collects and sends humanitarian aid to those suffering during Russian invasion

As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine intensifies, so does the necessity for humanitarian support.

“It’s medical provides, army provides, child meals. We’d like child meals very, very unhealthy, as a result of quite a lot of the ladies are usually not capable of feed their youngsters,” mentioned volunteer Borislav Alexandrov.

Alexandrov, who’s from Ukraine, helps coordinate donated gadgets by the truckload from a warehouse in Glendale.

“It’s exhausting to see the place the place you grew up and see how stunning it was and to see now that it’s destroyed for no purpose,” he mentioned.

An important gadgets are separated out and despatched to LAX first.

“First support kits for army, issues like that. Fast material is among the major issues we’re asking for as a result of it stops the bleeding in the event that they get shot,” he mentioned.

Alexandrov companions with the freight firm Meest, which shifted virtually all of its enterprise from enterprise cargo to humanitarian support after the invasion.

But Alexandrov notes that his transport bills are “rather a lot,” and he’s asking for donations to assist defray the prices.

Donations could be made to Mission of Mercy, a California-based nonprofit that sends provides to Ukraine.

Different volunteers mentioned they assist out as a result of they’re apprehensive about family and friends again in Ukraine.

“I’m apprehensive about my household. I’m apprehensive about my mates. I’m apprehensive about each single particular person and each single life that’s there and in peril,” mentioned Stella Ezros.

Ezros’ household remains to be within the capital metropolis of Kyiv.

“They’re very grateful for our work right here, the ethical assist they’re getting. Ukrainians are peaceable individuals and they’re simply attempting to protect what’s theirs. They need their independency. They need to dwell independently in a democratic manner,” she mentioned.