THE barbaric atrocities happening in Ukraine have been affecting so many people from the Crediton and Mid Devon areas.
Determined to help as best they can, local residents are making donations, not just financial, but also of key supplies which are being taken to the Polish/Ukranian and other borders to help refugees who are in desperate need.
Knowing where to donate financially has been difficult but online via the Red Cross at https://donate.red-cross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal and to the DEC Ukraine Appeal via www.dec.org.uk are the best options.
Making donations of essential items can be tricky, some drop-off points are unable to take clothes so it is best to check before taking items.
Mike Krefta, a volunteer collector, has been actively involved in collecting donations locally and is thrilled that Bindy Saywood of The White Room Creative Space has donated the space for sorting and storage.
She has also been donating much of her time to help sort items, packing, loading and unloading items and much more.
Mike has been travelling to collect items far and near.
His recent visits took him to several locations in Crediton, Colebrooke, Sandford, Chulmleigh, Okehampton, Tiverton and further afield.
With some financial donations he has been able to buy items that he knows are essential.
Mike recently explained that he is in touch with Maja, a chain of Polish shops in the UK that have empty lorries heading back to Poland and who are willing to take donations of key supplies to the Polish/Ukrainian border.
He explained that items needed includes: Rain jackets, warm winter coats/fleeces. NO other clothes, please. Other local groups are doing a great job of collecting these.
Sleeping supplies - Duvets, sleeping bags, bed linen, camp beds, and inflatable mattresses. All in packaging if possible please, to protect them in transit and keep them in good condition
Towels of varying sizes - new or in good condition, please.
Hygiene products e.g. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, sanitary products, nappies, etc.
Covid masks, antibacterial wipes/alcohol gels, paper towels/tissues. First aid kits.
Plates and cutlery - preferably biodegradable, silicone or plastic. No breakable crockery.
Candles, torches, batteries, matches.
Toys for children of varying ages – clean and in good condition.
He explained: “For hygiene reasons and ease of transportation, we are asking for items that are new, or in good condition, and ideally packaged to keep them in good condition during transit.”
WHERE TO TAKE DONATIONS
Mike, speaking on behalf of his wife Allie, Simon O’Sullivan and Bindy, said: “We have drop-off points in Crediton, Sandford and Exeter, and a small team who can collect from the Crediton area.”
Exeter: You can take your donations direct to Maja Deli, on Buller Road. Maja are the logistics behind this drive will take the goods to their warehouse in London before transporting it over to Poland: Maja Exeter, 90 Buller Road, Exeter, EX4 1AU
Crediton: You can take your donations to The White Room Creative Space, on Lords Meadow. Bindy will ensure that there is someone there on Monday and Thursday mornings between 10am-1pm, but if you can’t make these times please call to arrange a time that works for you, 07422 712894.
The White Room Creative Space, 50, Commonmarsh Lane, Lords Meadow, Crediton EX17 1DN
Sandford: Donations can be dropped with Bindy at The Old Rectory in Sandford, (prior arrangement please). 07422 712894.
Collection: There is a small team of people happy to collect donations. You can contact Mike Krefta on 07717 750794. He is based in Colebrooke, near Crediton, and very happy to collect from you if required,
If you have any questions, please feel free to call or WhatsApp Mike on 07717 750794 or Bindy at The White Room on 07422 712894.
WHITE ROOM
Bindy added that items for babies, young and older children would be very welcome.
She listed: Babies clothes, new baby rattle/teething items. Sleeping bags, fleeces/blankets. New girls and boys pants, socks, gloves, hats.
Small games, hardback picture books (no words). New, or clean vgc soft toys. Items for older children, and teenagers - games, pens, drawing and note pads etc. Warm coat/fleeces, walking/hiking/warm shoes.
Anything which will make a difference to parents, for their babies, young and older children who have lost everything.
BOW GOSPEL HALL
Bow Gospel Hall will be opening the Chapel on Monday, March 14, from 10am to 12 noon to receive any donations of aid for the displaced refugees from the Ukraine.
There is a particular urgent need for: Good quality sheets and blankets, Adults and Children’s clothing - both for Winter and Summer, Toys for all ages, Medical equipment.
Ken Harris explained: “All donations received will be passed to a local charity based in Exmouth called CR2EE (Christian Response to Eastern Europe) and will be transported to Moldova as soon as possible.
“Moldova is officially the poorest country in Europe and thousands of people have already crossed the border from Ukraine and have little or no supplies with them. The need for aid is great and urgent, so if you can donate something we would love to see you on Monday morning.”
DRIVING TO POLAND
A Crediton man who intends to take two van loads of supplies to Poland is also collecting items.
James Edmonds told the Courier: “I live at 35 Mill Street and will be driving to Poland a week on Sunday with my wife and brother to deliver much needed supplies for the Ukrainian Appeal. We have two vans and need your help.
“You can either drop the items round or call me on 07779 082898.”
The items he is taking include:
Hats, gloves, thermal socks, thermal blankets, thermal underwear and new ladies underwear
Paracetamol, ibuprofen, cold and flu medication, cough syrups, antiseptic creams and wipes, rolls of fabric plasters, bandages, sterile dressings, disposable gloves and wide tactical/military/medical tourniquet
Nappies (various sizes), Calpol, baby wipes, baby food, baby shampoo, baby moisturiser and Sudocrem
New underwear, crayons and pens, colouring books, writing pads and packets of sweets
Energy bars, Mars bars, porridge pots, rice, pasta and stock cubes
Soap, shower gel, shampoo, sanitary towels and tampons, toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes and toilet rolls
Coffee, tea bags, hot chocolate and sugar
Dry cat and dog food
Water purification tablets, torches, batteries, bin bags, power banks, walking sticks and crutches.
R and G Barbers, based in Crediton’s Town Square, last week delivered a huge amount of items donated by the people of Crediton to a distribution centre. Unfortunately it is unable to accept any more donations.