Help the Shkinder Family Heal After Tragedy

The Shkinder family has truly been through hell. Not only have they escaped war-torn Ukraine, they have suffered repeated unfortunate events. The family lost their husband/father 6 years ago in May. They relocated to South Dakota due to the war, only to learn their home in Ukraine was bombed. Through it all, they persevered. They have not lost their faith.

This past Sunday (Mother's Day) was supposed to be a celebratory day as the second oldest was to graduate. As mom made breakfast and went to wake her children for church, she found her eldest son, Demian (21), unresponsive from no fault of his own. He was an amazing person. He had passed away in the night. Tragedy has struck once again.

These are good people who have faced tragedy after tragedy. Mom needs our help. If you can find it in your heart and you have the means, please donate. We'd like to cover funeral costs and other bills incurred at this time. Mom needs time to heal and process. We would like to raise money to help.

As teachers, there aren't enough words to express how much we care about our students. When they are hurting, we are hurting. Once they are ours, they are ours forever. Please help us help mom and the kids heal. They need a village, and we can provide that.

Thank you for helping!

Conni Mayo and Kelly Kotalik