Six lorry loads of items for Ukrainian refugees
INCREDIBLE lorry loads of items have been collected from people across Llanelli to donate to refugees forced to flee war-torn Ukraine.
Last week we reported how Llanelli’s generosity shone through as people responded to an appeal to help those in Ukraine. Now it has been revealed the such was the generosity of the Polish and Llanelli community, enough clothes were collected to fill six lorries.
Jumpers, shirts, trousers, along with a range of other clothes, are among the items that have been gifted towards the appeal.
Two Owens Group articulated lorries have been donated to help the good cause.
Dafen councillor Rob Evans said the response had been incredible and they were now looking to get medical supplies moved as well.
He said: “It’s been overwhelming. The Polish community got together and put together a plea for help for donations of clothes. They were inundated from the Llanelli and Polish community. The items were collected from the Catholic Centre in Llanelli but there was so much coming in and they were queuing in cars they had to move it to St Mary’s School.”
The items have been moved away from the school site ready to be transported to London and on to Poland, where refugees are arriving in their thousands each day.
Councillor Evans added: “This war is evolving. They have had to stop the donations of clothes because of the sheer quantity we received – that has been amazing. I have been in touch with the Ukrainian Church in London. I am hoping to get medical supplies from the surrounding community.
“Some people have given us medical equipment they don’t need to use, including blood pressure kits.
“I went to IMS Euro in Stockport and asked if they could supply us with blood bags so people giving blood can do that for the blood transfusion service. This company has gone above and beyond and they are going to send a couple of pallets including needles and gloves.
“St Mary’s School has been brilliant and supported the collection of the clothes and medicines.”
He said winter items would also be vital to the appeal due to plunging temperatures.
“Because it’s winter, what they really need is winter clothes, blankets, coats and first aid kits, cling film, and sanitary towels to cover bleeding. We need to use every resource – Llanelli is a small town with a big heart.
“The people power has been unbelievable.”
Llanelli Motor Company and George Parker are also helping with the transport of items to London.
Paulina Czubatka, who was one of a group of parents involved with gathering the donations, said: “It is huge, the solidarity of people. We opened the door at 11am and at 11.10am the church hall was almost full. I melted when I saw how Polish and Welsh people can work together.
“In two days we sorted and packed clothes, toiletries, shoes, first aid kit and meds. People have been donating food and nappies.
“A lot of people were coming a second time with more things. I’m really impressed.”