DANBURY – Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont stopped by St. Joseph Parish to personally thank everyone for their efforts to support the Ukrainian people with thousands of donations.
Lamont was accompanied by Ukrainian American Veterans who also came to thank the children and see the thousands of bags donated by the community.
“This went from being a small drive where we thought a few SUV’s to drive to the shipping company would do the trick, to being a movement,” says Megan Cerullo, Director of Advancement & President of the PTO at Saint Joseph School.
The donations include pre-filled new or gently used purses, diaper bags or backpacks with everyday essentials needed for women, babies, and children. The items will be shipped to Poland Municipal Social Welfare Center in Walbrzych to assist the millions of refugees who have fled their homeland following an unprovoked Russia-waged war on Ukraine.
The parish and school outreach has extended far beyond the immediate community with donations, including financial support, coming from organizations and parishes outside of the Diocese of Bridgeport.
The overwhelming positive response has the school and parish seeking the best way to pack and ship the items directly to Poland’s frontline workers who are caring for refugees as they cross the border.
The outpouring of support from corporations, individuals, and businesses is a testament to the generous nature of the community.
“Despite all of the ugly, there is still so much love in the world,” said St. Joseph Pastor Father Samuel Scott. “That is the message we hope to achieve through this drive, as well as a message we want our children to learn since they represent a future filled with hope.”
