Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Phoenix helps to raise donations for loved ones amid Russian invasion

PHOENIX - A small Ukrainian church in central Phoenix is taking donations to send overseas to the war-torn country amid Russia's violent invasion.

It's the latest effort by Ukrainian Orthodox Church Saint Mary's Protectress to raise awareness and donations for people in Ukraine. Many of the church's members also have family in Ukraine who are in need of help.

"Ukraine is going through the worst crisis it's seen since World War III. Homes being destroyed, beyond livability. People displaced, killed," said Raymond Badynskyj, treasurer at Ukrainian Orthodox Church St. Mary's Protectress, whose cousins are still in western Ukraine.

He adds, "Trying to provide as much humanitarian supplies, medical supplies, food, anything else that may be needed in these communities that are under attack."

It's horrifying to see the state of Ukraine, especially considering that its people have held their independence the last 30 years, Badynskyj said.

He's asking that Americans continue to support them.

"It's the longest period of time that they've been independent and I don't think they'd want to give this up lightly. They are fighting tooth and nail," he remarked. "We all wish that everyone prays and keeps Ukraine in their minds and that this has a happy conclusion."

For more on how to help Ukraine, visit this link.

'What else we can do?'

From Phoenix children's Hospital to Maricopa Fire and Medical, donations from agencies across the Valley are pouring in.

"Trying to get as much trauma stuff as we can, advanced airway stuff, kits to deliver babies, needles, those kinds of things," said Mike Grant, Maricopa Fire and Medical Deputy Chief, of the donations their working to take in.

He says several departments are donating supplies that have recently passed their expiration dates, items that would’ve been thrown away.

"We need any type of medical supply. We don’t need food, don’t’ need clothes. We need only cash or medical supplies," said Nikole Jelden with Ukrainian Orthodox Church Saint Mary's Protectress.

She recently spoke with her sister and other relatives that remain in Ukraine. They are alive, but living in fear, and on high alert to take shelter at a moment’s notice.

Although thousands of miles away from the invasion, many people in the Valley refuse to just stand around and do nothing.

"They just bring … bring money, bring medical supplies. They give you a hug and say we love you so much, what else we can do?" Jelden said.

Grant adds, "It’s frustrating. I’m a first-generation Ukrainian American. It’s hard to stand by and watch as an American.

View the list below to see what's needed. You can bring donations to 1102 N 10th St, Phoenix, AZ 85006.

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• Ukraine crisis: How you can help UNICEF, Project HOPE, and GlobalGiving
• Russia-Ukraine war: Cease-fire attempt fails amid more shelling
• Russian attacks halt planned civilian evacuations in Ukraine for 2nd time, official says

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