March 2022.
In February 2022 when Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The world watched in horror on the nightly news of the invasion. While many watched and were caught off guard. Compassion Coalition had heard rumors and began to gather supplies to send to the Ukraine. Compassion Coalition partnered up with The Slavic church here in Utica NY which has contacts to the region.
Pastor Pavel Verenich, a missionary to Moldova and Pastor Schuzma of the Slavic Church here in Utica NY. Have provided tremendous logistical and strategic support to help us send critical supplies to the Ukrainians in Europe.
Compassion Coalition began to send millions of dollars in products to help those fleeing the war and those who remain in Ukraine. Due to Compassion’s connections within days we were able to acquire brand new clothes, sanitary and hygiene products, medical supplies and other sundry products.
The local news channel WUTR with reporter Lauren Brill came to report on the tractor trailer loads being sent to Moldova and Poland and then trekked into Ukraine. “The organization is putting together pallette-sized donations of hygiene products, food, and other basic necessities. Bargain Grocery, a local store started through the compassion coalition, is helping the organizations make these donations.”
Please read and watch the entire broadcast.
May 2022
Many Ukrainians fleeing the war had to leave all their belongings. Families had to leave the conflict regions with just the clothes on their backs. Many of these Ukrainians have been living in camps on the border with the same clothes they fled with.
We gathered from all of our contacts here in the US and began to send tractor trailer loads of clothes and outerwear.
Through our connections we quickly sent millions of dollars of Ralph Lauren and other clothing. This included shoes, socks, underwear, t-shirts, pants and coats for the brutal winter.
November 2023
As many Ukrainians fled many of them headed to the United States as displaced refugees. Many of them entered through the southern border without proper documentation. Many of them were unable to receive an official status and unable to get working papers. Compassion Coalition worked with MSNBC to highlight this story. Msnbc producers Anthony Scutro and Jeff Ayars were surprised to find that a small city like Utica had become a beacon of hope for many Ukrainians. That many in this Upstate town welcomed the many refugees. Compassion coalition worked to help those Ukrainian Refugees to settle by providing furniture and housewares. Additionally, they provided a monthly gift card to the Bargain Grocery.
Reporter Lauren Brill from WUTR came followed up with our progress on helping refugees here in Utica NY and our involvement in that effort.
Compassion Coalition and Bargain Grocery has committed itself to continually help Ukrainians in the Ukrainian region in Europe and those that have decided to find refuge here in Utica NY.
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