Donations collected at Leetsdale VFW to help people of Ukraine

A Leetsdale collection drive to help the people of Ukraine netted truckloads of donated items, according to township organizers.

The event took place March 25 at the Leetsdale Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3372 and at resident Martha Gilbert Golden’s house along Victory Lane.

It was organized by Mayor Sandra Ford.

“We had a total of four truckloads, many diapers and blankets, mostly new items,” Ford said. “We had a large donation from the ladies from Curves in Leetsdale.”

Ford said the event was inspired by Golden, who had a collection drive earlier this year.

The mayor also offered appreciation to the many donors who contributed.

“I feel the same way that everybody else feels looking at it on TV,” Ford said. “You kind of feel helpless like you can’t do anything. In our small way, Leetsdale’s going to do something.”

Items sought included oatmeal, rice, grits, pasta, protein bars, individually bagged tea, instant coffee, dry creamer, instant potatoes, pasta sauce, blankets, flat bed sheets, sleeping bags, towels, small toys, shampoo, feminine products, powdered laundry detergent, diapers for both children and adults, wipes and deodorant.

Items collected will be sent to North Way Christian Community Church at 200 Deer Run Road.

Packages will then be sent to Poland and eventually into Ukrainian hands.

VFW bartender Kyleigh McQuaid said she was pleased her Post could host the event.

“It’s important to support Ukraine at this time,” McQuaid said. Her sister-in-law, Yuliya McQuaid, 32, is from Ukraine. She moved to the United States about 13 years ago and lives in Hopewell.

McQuaid’s father, Igor Butenko, 59, and several other relatives are in Ukraine fighting.

“He’s been fighting since day one, even prior to that,” Yuliya McQuaid said of her father. “I hear from him once a week, sometimes once every two weeks. We talk really quick and all I need to know is he’s OK. It’s difficult to see what’s on TV.”

Her friends back in Ukraine also post to social media with updates on what is happening.

“It’s hard to even focus on something else, to be honest,” Yuliya McQuaid said. “I pretty much keep track of everyone. … Everything is needed.”