Donations for Ukraine

It’s been a difficult two weeks watching the callous and murderous conduct of the Russian military at the hands of President Vladimir Putin. I am absolutely outraged and disheartened by the Russian invasion of Ukraine all to overthrow their democratically elected government.

I stand with Rockland County’s Ukrainian community, consisting of 1,267 Rockland residents who were born in the Ukraine and 2,212 Rockland residents with Ukrainian ancestry, in condemning this terrible atrocity happening overseas. I want to remind all Rockland families that we have mental health resources ready and available to provide comfort and assistance to those impacted by this attack.

My office has received inquiries regarding a potential cyber war. As a matter of reassurance all should know that we are prepared. Our Rockland County Information and Technology Services Department, led by Director Frank Calise, has made significant upgrades to our IT Infrastructure over the past few years and I’m confident our prior actions will shield us from any breach or cyber-attack.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees is calling this the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. In the last 10 days, more than 2 million people have fled war-torn Ukraine and crossed into neighboring countries, many with nothing more than the clothes on their backs.

If this country falls, we’re now looking at the possible threat of Russia moving in on other Baltic states including Latvia and Lithuania which will compound the refugee crisis even more.

I send my prayers to the people of Ukraine who are going through this horrific time right now and would like to highlight the efforts of neighbors in our beautiful County of Rockland stepping up to help. Local resident Oksana Hauser is spearheading a collection effort for Ukraine and requests the following list of medical supplies:

First Aid Kits (Gauze, Tourniquets, Band-aids)

Painkillers (Advil, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)

Anti-inflammatory Ointments

Antibiotic Ointments

Sterile Operating Materials (Robes, Gloves, Coverings)

Betadine

Personal Hygiene Products

The items can be shipped to:

17 Oldschool Lane

Orangeburg, New York 10962

Rockland County Government, located at 11 New Hempstead Road, also has two collections bins in the front lobby for this Humanitarian Aid effort for Ukraine.

For further information questions can be directed to oksanahause@gmail.com or 845-499-9848.