Direct Help for Ukrainian Families in Need

What began as a small elementary school in Covington, Georgia wanting to show support for their beloved custodian, Miss Lana, has grown into so much more. People who have seen the video have been moved by her emotion and this has brought so much awareness to those experiencing crisis in Ukraine. They may not know her personally, but they know the suffering all those in Ukraine are experiencing right now and have taken Miss Lana as a type of symbol of HOPE and love for those there because of her connection to them.

Our students and staff covered the walls of our school with sunflowers as a gesture of HOPE for her family members in Ukraine. Students learned a lot about EMPATHY by supporting Miss Lana as her family handles being under attack from Russia and praying daily to see their next day. Our Assistant Principal, Tara Lynn, arrived extra early on the morning of March 9th to capture Miss Lana's reaction to the love and support showered on her by walls of sunflowers. This video of her heartfelt reaction has stirred so much emotion in all who have viewed it. You can see her genuine appreciation for not only herself, but the love and prayers going to her family in Ukraine. These family member's names are written on many of the children's art pieces themselves.

Here is the video:

Miss Lana continues to ask for prayers for not only her family, but all those in Ukraine. She has been spreading this message via many news outlets who are spreading her story. Her story has been featured in so many places now from the local Atlanta news stations to Newsweek to ABC World News Tonight with David Muir and CNN. Of course Miss Lana isn't seeing this as being about her but as a way to raise awareness.

We have been asked by so many how they can help. Prayers is Miss Lana's first response always, but we have felt moved to help in another way in order to actually help her family and those they are helping in Ukraine. Her family explains that right now they have their homes but so many are coming to their area with absolutley nothing and seeking refuge. They take them in without question. They say they are able to help today but tomorrow it may be them needing refuge. She said this is the Ukranian way. Miss Lana and her husband have been sending what finanical support they can, but we have felt moved to help even more.

The purpose of this GoFundMe page is to be a place for those who feel so inclined to donate to help Miss Lana's family as they help many who have come to the area for refuge. All people in the area need financial help to purchase food, medical supplies and gasoline. These are just a few things they say are at the top of the list of needs. The funds raised here will be sent directly to Ukraine via Western Union (they have waived all fees for sending to Ukraine at this time). Her family is in the Zhytomyr region. As stated earlier, the funds will be used for her family but so many more that they will be sharing with and helping for survival during this time of crisis. We will be sharing things that they are able to purchase and those they are able to help so that you can feel secure about what you are helping with and know your donation is truly reaching those in need.

Thank you so very much in advance for your support, prayers, and financial aide for those who are in a horrible situation. Pray for peace and safety for all.

Jennifer Jordan McDonald representing all the staff who work with and love Miss Lana so very much

**This fundraiser is in no way connected to Oak Hill Elementary School. Miss Lana and those creating this page are employed there, but this is not being done by the school itself.