ST.PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — Members of a Ukranian Catholic church is St. Petersburg are working to help loved ones who are affected by Russian attacks in Ukraine.
Ukrainian flags and signs of support for the country are set up around Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church.
Pastor Bohdan Barytskyy says 80% of parishioners have family members living in Ukraine.
In the week since the Russian invasion, services at the church have been filled with prayers for an end to the violence.
“I called my family and I said, ‘I cannot believe this is reality,” Fr. Barytskyy said. “My mother, she lives there, my sister, my brother, my cousins — I have property there. We are here physically but our minds and hearts are in Ukraine.”
The congregation will come together around noon on Ash Wednesday for a day of prayer and reflection.
Right now, they’re asking the community for its support.
Two organizations, the Tampa non-profit Course of Action and Help Me Donate, have teamed up with the church to hygiene products and first aid kits for refugees fleeing the country.
The group is in need of the following items:
- Band-Aids
- Neosporin, Polysporin, antibiotic ointment
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Handy wipes
- Tylenol, Advil or Aleve
- Small bottles of: body wash, deodorant, shampoo, mouthwash, hand cream, hand sanitizers
- Cotton swabs, baby wipes
- Small bags of cat and dog treats
- Children’s items: coloring books, crayons, small toys
- Baby bottles, pacifiers
- Diaper rash cream
- Feminine toiletries
- Greeting cards to families
Organizers are asking for the donations to be packed in a large Ziploc bag.
Donations can be dropped at 434 90th Ave N., St. Petersburg on Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Volunteers are needed Saturday and Sunday to prepare supplies for shipping. Volunteers can arrive between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“This is very important during this difficult time. I know that this, our country, will fight for democracy, for freedom and we want to live in peace,” Fr. Barytskyy said.