APPLETON, Wis. (NBC 26) — With every box of shoes and each bag of food, Olga Halaburda Hietpas is working to support her family and a country at war.
"It's been a nightmare," the first generation Ukrainian-American said. "I talk to my cousin in Ukraine almost daily and he's telling me about the needs of the people in Ukraine right now, especially the men who are fighting."
Northeast Wisconsinites rallied at Houdini Plaza in Appleton in support of Ukraine on Friday night. Many donated supplies to send overseas.
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Through monetary donations, Halaburda Hietpas and Wisconsin Ukrainians have bought items like military grade boots and knee pads.
"They don't have warm boots," the Appleton resident said. "They don't have the tactical gear that they need, because this is a volunteer citizen army that has joined the real Ukrainian army."
Northeast Wisconsinites rallied at Houdini Plaza in Appleton in support of Ukraine. Many donated supplies to send overseas.
"Flying it to Poland and then trucking it into Ukraine," Halaburda Hietpas said. "We have a window of time here before that won't be possible anymore to help Ukrainians."
Dozens of people like Aaron Taylor, who has family in Ukraine, came to help fill a truck with items.
"The bombings are killing kids, adults, soldiers... it's tragic," the Neenah resident said.
A Chicago-based Ukrainian shipping company is handling the gifted civilian and military aid.
"Ukrainians are an insanely strong people, but to show them that the rest of the world — big cities and small — are here to support I think is important," Taylor said.
While the supplies move to Ukraine, a war rages on.
"In addition to all the humanitarian aid we're asking for, I desperately ask for prayers to defeat this evil," Halaburda Hietpas said.
Items that are needed are non-perishable food, warm clothing, medical supplies and military supplies. Monetary donations are also accepted.
The Fox Valley Peace Coalition is hosting a "Sunflowers for Ukraine" vigil on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. It'll also be at the corner of Houdini Plaza in downtown Appleton. They're asking people to bring sunflowers and signs, and wear yellow and blue if possible.
