Hi, my name is Michelle Edwards; I am working alongside many others across Somerset (UK) to support host families and Ukrainian refugees arriving in our county.

I am coordinating the production and delivery of a Pantry Packer for every host family and an individual welcome pack for their Ukrainian guests.

We aim to fill each Pantry Packer with essential household items such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, toilet roll, household cleaners, plasters and food such as pasta, rice, tea, coffee, jams, marmalades, tinned soups, tomatoes, beans and fruit, biscuits, cereal and soft drinks. Everything that most families use and that these families will need to accommodate their extra guests.

Welcome packs are created based on gender and age and include essential toiletries and some gifts and treats to welcome those who are new to our community.

We aim to create approximately 200 Pantry Packer and 400+ Welcome packs in the coming weeks. Our community have been amazing, so generous and supportive. Most items are being readily donated, however some of the more expensive items are understably in short short supply, including laundry detergent, fabric conditioner, coffee, hot chocolate and rice. I therefore need your help to fund these items so that our packs are truly beneficial to our hosts and their Ukrainian guests.

Every pound donated will help. THANK YOU x