Bundles for Ukraine group marks milestone: 4,000th package sent to needy in Ukraine

NEW BRITAIN, Conn. - The Bundles for Ukraine group of St. Mary's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in New Britain, Conn., recently celebrated the sending of their 4,000th package of aid to the needy in Ukraine with a cake and picnic to honor the 12th anniversary of Ukraine's independence.

Inspired by Father Jakiw Norton after his trip to Ukraine with the late patriarch Mstyslav, the group has sent over 120,000 pounds of clothing, shoes, bed linen, food, medical supplies and medical equipment to needy Orthodox families and parishes.

The project has contact with Orthodox priests in 49 parishes all across Ukraine. These priests receive the aid and distribute it and also recommend individual needy families.

In addition, the group has "adopted" an orphanage with 180 children in Oleshka, in Kherson Oblast, a school with 78 children in the village of Sinne in Kharkiv Oblast and a medical clinic in Kharkiv Oblast.

Donations of items and money for shipping come from the generosity of parish members, parish organizations and their friends. All money goes for shipping expenses. Many individuals have also donated money to help build or rebuild Orthodox churches in Ukraine.

Eleven loyal volunteers meet each Thursday to sort and pack items and wrap boxes. These workers are: Alice Andrusia, Andrew Buczko, Ann Harris, Kay Kerelejza, Sylvia Lindgren, Stefan Melnyk, Stefan Ostrowski, Mary Ann Pilgim, Helen Prestash and Julia Stepanczak. Dr. Joan Kerelejza is chairperson of the project. Also assisting are John Petruniw, who supplies all the boxes, and Dimitry Shafran, who translates all the reguest letters.

Anyone looking for more information should contact Dr. Kerelejza, 50 Ellsworth Blvd., Kensingtont, CT 06037; e-mail, joankerelejza@cs.com. The group would appreciate donations of money for shipping. The package count is now 4,060 and going strong.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, September 14, 2003, No. 37, Vol. LXXI

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