Police Donate Ballistic Vests To Ukraine, Here's How You Can Help

Westchester County, NY — Yonkers police are donating police protective equipment, including bulletproof vests, to Ukraine and are asking civilians to donate what they can to support those trying to endure a brutal invasion of their country.

The police equipment will be sent to the Westchester Branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, which has agreed to ship the goods to Ukraine.

"The war in Ukraine is bearing down unbelievable tragedy upon the Ukrainian people, and the Yonkers Police stands united with them," Police Commissioner John Mueller said. "It is our hope that this donation helps in the defense of their homeland — we support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people at home and abroad."

The Yonkers Police Department is donating 40 ballistic vests. The vests are from officers who have retired from the Yonkers Police Department and returned their equipment. Some of the vests are also from the department’s vest replacement program. All YPD members receive a replacement vest after every 10 years of service. Their replaced vests are then returned to the YPD Training Division for donation.

The police are also donating 50 Super Seer S1613 tactical helmets. The helmets are constructed of a fiberglass shell with multiple layers of impact-absorbing material. Each helmet incorporates a molded visor and face shield. The liner is made from a polyurethane foam for impact absorption.

"Time and time again, Yonkers has shown a unique ability to come together during tough times, and this time is no different," Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said. "As we move forward and send vital equipment to Ukraine, I am calling on our residents once more to do the same. If you are willing and able, please contribute what you can to support our friends overseas who find themselves fighting for their freedom – every little bit helps."

Local organizations and groups will be accepting physical/monetary donations in support of Ukraine, including the Ukrainian American Youth Center at 301 Palisade Ave. this Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Needed items include:

• Diapers of all sizes
• Wipes
• Diaper rash cream
• Thermometers
• Dry snacks for babies (ex: puffs)
• Bottles
• Sippy cups and thermoses
• Dry powdered formula
• Teething toys
• Socks, hats, mittens - infants and children
• Children’s underwear
• Pacifiers
• Teething Toys
• Blankets, swaddles, hooded towels, burp cloths
• Infant Tylenol and Motrin
• Children’s Tylenol and Motrin (liquid and chewable)
• Gripe water
• Gas relief drops
• Children’s chewable vitamins
• Coloring books and crayons

The Yonkers Police Department 4th Precinct at 53 Shonnard Pl. will be accepting donations on Friday and Saturday to drop off for anyone who can't make it on Sunday. The Larchmont Pharmacy is also collecting items for the children in Ukraine on Friday and Saturday to deliver on Sunday.

For more information about donations, contact Alexandra Perich-Kushnir 914-490-2021 or Tatiana Palylyk-Andersen 203-470-9347 with any questions.

Monetary donations can also be dropped off in person at SUMA (Yonkers) Federal Credit Union, 125 Corporate Boulevard in Yonkers (checks made payable to UCCA). For more information, contact Jaroslaw Palylyk, President of the local Ukrainian Congress Committee of America at palylykj@gmail.com.

"On behalf of the entire Ukrainian American community of Yonkers, we thank the Mayor, Police Commissioner and all of the residents of Yonkers who have manifested their overwhelming financial and moral support in these unbelievably difficult times," Ukrainian Congress Committee of America Westchester Branch spokesperson Roman G. Kozicky said. "The brave citizens of Ukraine, including many of our family members and close friends, are in desperate need of this assistance. Please continue to keep Ukraine in your prayers. May God bless you and God bless Ukraine."