Communities from across the Sound are collecting much-needed supplies to send to the people impacted by the war in Ukraine.
On Saturday, KIRO 7 spoke to a couple of people volunteering to support the effort.
At a local Ukrainian-American church, video showed boxes of supplies that filled the gym.
“It’s definitely been a stressful week, but it doesn’t shine a candle to the amount of work that is left to do,” said Covington City Councilmember Kristina Soltys.
Soltys was born in Ukraine and came to the United States when she was 5 years old.
Soltys has been working nonstop to do what she can to help since the war broke out in her homeland.
“They just don’t know if they’re going to make it til tomorrow,” Soltys told KIRO 7.
Medical supplies are needed, and these items are at the top of the donation list.
Gateway Medical Alliance out of Kent – working with Valley Medical Center – has been instrumental in securing some of them. And getting medical supplies into poor and disadvantaged areas around the world is a cornerstone of GMA’s humanitarian mission.
“More than willing to help out. The big thing was can we get it into Ukraine?” said Greg Plett with GMA.
Thus far, that has been the biggest challenge.
Soltys is hoping to get the supplies out on a flight to Poland this week.
From there, they will be trucked over into Ukraine to the most needed areas.
“We’re kind of struggling on this piece of the transportation to Ukraine. It’s not easy, and it’s not cheap. We are trying to knock down doors and find multiple partnerships that would like to work with us in aiding Ukraine,” Soltys said.
Soltys stresses how this effort has only been possible thanks to so many in the community as she continues to remind people this is only the beginning.
“Never has there been a time to stand up and hold hands and not see the differences,” Soltys said.
Those wanting to help can send donations to the Meest shipping center in Federal Way.
Medical supplies are being prioritized. Clothing for women and children, nonperishable food items and toiletries are also needed. Donations should be put in a box with a label listing what is inside.