My name is Alexandra Barycza and I am a sophomore at Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton. I am shocked and saddened by the war in Ukraine and I have decided to organize a relief effort to help the refugees that are flowing into Poland. My entire family is from Poland and my grandparents were political refugees during the height of the Cold War. They spent many months in an Austrian refugee camp after escaping Poland in 1965. Both of my great grandfathers died during WWII fighting for Poland’s freedom.

 

The invasion of Ukraine reminds me of the stories of my own family's plight so many years ago. The stories of men leaving their families to defend their homeland, while the women and children tried to escape to safety. It is hard to believe that, in our modern world, these stories still ring true.

 

My family in Poland has organized grassroots efforts throughout the country in order to help the influx of Ukrainian refugees. Their efforts range from arranging long-term housing for mothers and children, to collecting food, clothes, and medical supplies for the people that have entered the country with only the clothes on their backs.

 

I would like to reach out to the community for help and any dollar amount will make a huge difference in the refugees' lives.

 

The items that are currently most needed:  soap, shampoo, moisturizing cream, burn cream, body and face moisturizer, laundry detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, towels, bedding sheets, pillows, diapers, school supplies, school backpacks, sweat pants, and hoodies in every size.

 

 

Let’s keep Ukraine Strong and let’s help them fight for FREEDOM!

 

Sincerely,

Alexandra Barycza