Help for Ukrainian Friends in Nashville

After several years of shopping at Dillard's in Green Hills, I have built a friendship with a salesperson there named Lidia who works in the women's department. (If you have shopped with me there, you've likely met her too!) Lidia is always waiting with a warm smile, a hug, and is always eager to help me and any other shoppers in her department.

Although Lidia has lived in Nashville for several years and is now an American citizen, she is Ukrainian by birth. She still has family in Ukraine, although her parents were forced to flee in March at the beginning of the war.

On March 5th, patrolmen arrived at her parents' home to tell them a bomb had been found on the fence at the corner of their house. Had it gone off, they would no longer be here. It was then, Lidia's parents decided to take the risk and flee. They were afraid and didn't think they could physically make the journey, but they no longer had a choice. They took a small suitcase and their cat and left everything to save their lives. They made a treacherous journey to Poland and, thankfully, flew to the United States under a tourist visa that Lidia had put into place years ago.

Lidia is incredibly grateful that her parents are now safely residing with her, but I can see the immense stress she is under. Her parents have some health issues and are obviously dealing with new mental trauma. Her other family is still in Ukraine on the front lines.

If you are like me, and have seen the emotionally wrenching photos and heard the horror stories coming out of Ukraine, you too, have wondered how you can help. Although a plan to offer aid to Ukrainian refugees was put into place by the U.S. government, Lidia's family is not eligible for assistance due to bureaucratic red tape. I am starting this fund to help ease some of the financial strain for Lidia and her family. Her parents do not speak English and are unable to work due to health reasons. The money raised will be used to help defray their medical costs and to assist with daily living costs (utilities, food, gas, etc.).

I hope that you will find it in your heart to help, and thank you for your generosity in advance!

-Amanda