COMMUNITY SUPPORT

Chester County residents unite to support Ukraine

Chester County is uniting to help the people of Ukraine.

Over the weekend, the Kennett Fire Company launched a charitable donation drive seeking supplies that will be shipped to Europe later this month.

Cory Mackintosh, president of the Kennett Fire Company, said the donations will be delivered to people at the Ukraine border.

“I wanted to find a way to help,” Mackintosh said.

Donations may be dropped off at the firehouse, 301 Dalmatian St. in Kennett Square, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. now through March 10.

The donated items will be shipped out by the weekend en route to Ukraine.

Items being sought include first aid and emergency medical kits, bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, First Aid tape, Lidocaine and Icy Hot patches, DayQuil, Vitamin C, Airborne vitamins, Advil, Naproxen, Tylenol, flashlights, blankets, sleeping bags, AAA and solar portable chargers for iPhones, Androids and tablets.

“We want to help in any crises like this,” Mackintosh said.

A few miles away, the Kennett Square Ace Hardware in New Garden

Township is also collecting donations to support the people of Ukraine. Folks can drop off supplies at the business now through

March 30.

Ace Hardware in New Garden Shopping Center is working with the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee, Inc. on ensuring the donations reach the people of Ukraine. They are collecting medical supplies, such as crutches, unused bandages, etc.

“We are all very proud of our Ukraine heritage and family roots,” said Kit Eisel, who owns Kennett Square Ace Hardware alongside her husband, Steve. The business opened in December.

The couple shares two sons, Nick, 22 and Eric, 22. Both were adopted from Ukraine in 2000.

“Both boys are really proud to be Ukrainian,” Eisel said of her sons.

Nick attends Drexel University Kline School of Law and Eric is a manager at Kennett Square Ace Hardware.

“This is a real time to connect with the Ukrainian community,” Nick said on Tuesday.

The Ukrainian people are facing a really tough situation at this moment, Nick added.

“Keeping these people in your thoughts and prayers is paramount,” he said.

SUBMITTED PHOTO On Tuesday, from left, Kennett Fire Company firefighters Jared Poole, Justin Krieger, T.J. Male and Cory Mackintosh celebrate the receipt of donations from the community to support the people of Ukraine.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Brothers Nick Eisel, left, and Eric Eisel were adopted from Ukraine in 2000. Their family business, Kennett Square Ace Hardware, is collecting essential supplies for the people of Ukraine through March 30.