Christmas Help for Ukraine

Last year this time of the year The Polish Language School in Walnut Creek, together with The Polish Scouts in Martinez, were collecting toys for children from Ukrainian orphanages run by Fr. Vitaliy Osmolovskyy through the Jesuit Humanitarian Aid. This year we are combining even more forces! Polish School in San Jose is joining the beautiful goal.

We can not help everyone but we can help one particular amazing human being who will ensure he helps many Ukrainian people! Father Vitaliy is well known in Polish and Ukrainian communities in East Bay, Polish Churches, Polish Language School in Walnut Creek, Polish Scout Organization and many more! When war started he volunteered to run the Jesuits Humanitarian Aid for Ukraine, postponed his doctorate studies and moved within days from Berkeley to Poland. He is in Ukraine now, running a house for refugees and he needs our help!

The building that houses refugees who lost everything during the war is not even meant for housing, it’s right near cemetery, close by to highway and nuclear power plant. The emergency alarms go off many times, usually during night, water and power is turned off. They have two generators but that is not enough. The people who live in the house used their skills to partially renovate the building but supplies need to be purchased. Father Vitaliy is really worried about coming winter. Your donation will be used to fund immediate emergency and ongoing needs, including for example: food, water, hygiene items, medicine and doctor visits, blankets, warm clothing, generators, necessary renovations.

Millions of people in Ukraine are facing an imminent humanitarian crisis. They are in urgent need of medical supplies and relief. A Russian invasion has been catastrophic for the civilian population. More elderly, vulnerable, children and families are at risk of losing their homes and access to medical and other vital services. The need in Ukraine remains severe. This need is only likely to increase as the Ukrainian people will face their second harsh winter under Russia's brutal and unrelenting attacks. This onslaught both directly and indirectly targets civilian infrastructure. Healthcare in particular.

Surely all of us were very grateful for what we have during recent Thanksgiving and as we prepare for Christmas. Sometimes we take for granted the basic things we have in our lives, let this be a reminder for us that others have nothing. Father Vitaliy and his protégés appreciate

any contribution as for them who lost their homes, loved ones, friends, jobs, any amount is a huge help. Even if you can help with small amount it will show them how many people supported them! Let’s pay it forward!