One hundred volunteers gathered at Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham, Suffolk in England, to wrap 7,200 Christmas gifts for children in war-torn Ukraine.
These presents, including toys and books, were donated by local businesses for the second consecutive year. The event, called a “wrapathon,” aimed to support children in Ukraine, even in areas affected by Russia’s armed forces.
The initiative, organized by the Plant and Hire Aid Alliance, faced greater challenges this year, with local businessman Jeremy Fish noting a waning public focus on the Ukrainian conflict despite ongoing critical needs.
He highlighted the worsening situation, especially with the arrival of winter, stressing that despite reduced media attention, the conditions in Ukraine were deteriorating.
Six weeks prior, the alliance had coordinated the delivery of 750 aid boxes to Ukrainian soldiers in the Zaporizhzhia region.
Tragically, a Russian missile struck a battalion during an awards ceremony, resulting in the loss of at least 19 soldiers.
The alliance had previously received gratitude from the unit, which made the aftermath of the attack all the more distressing.
Among the volunteers, Maryna Porgyan expressed the challenges faced by many Ukrainian families, mentioning the struggles of children without parents and parents unable to afford gifts due to economic difficulties.
The gifts, set to be shipped from Ipswich the following week, will be distributed across Ukraine by Rotary International in time for Christmas, aiming to bring some joy and support to the children affected by the conflict.
Source-BBC
