Heartfelt Contribution To Rockland Lawmakers' Ukraine Relief Drive

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland County Legislators Alden Wolfe and Aney Paul were surprised and touched at one of the many donations to their recent relief effort to benefit Ukrainians forced to flee their country amidst the worst fighting seen in Europe since World War II.

"Inside one of the donation boxes, we found a card in a child’s handwriting with the words, 'Praying for Peace' in blue and yellow on the cover – the colors of Ukraine’s flag," said Wolfe. "Inside was a blue heart with the word, 'Love' in yellow and a drawing of the Ukraine flag. It was signed, 'Sincerely, Caroline and Connor.' We put it back inside the box before we sealed it as we finished packing up the donations for transport.

"Even children can see this war is wrong and that peace is what is needed. Thank you, Caroline and Connor, for your wise observation," he said.

Wolfe and Paul partnered with the nonprofit Afya Foundation, which is supporting hospitals in Ukraine and refugee centers in Poland.

“I also thank everyone who contributed to this drive," Paul said. “We put the call out and you gave so much. Thank you Rockland County. As we continue to watch the devastating news reports, we know that even if a ceasefire is put in place, it will take years to clear Ukraine of mines, to rebuild water and natural gas lines, hospitals, schools, homes and businesses. Putin has left no stone of destruction unturned. The people of Ukraine will need help for a long while."

Donations included first aid kits; flashlights and batteries; personal hygiene kits; bar soap; shampoo; toothbrushes; toothpaste; deodorant; shaving cream and razors; baby diapers; adult diapers; facemasks; hand sanitizer; and more — all of it needed by people abruptly forced to flee, often with only the clothes and coats on their backs and what they could hurriedly pack into small suitcases, the lawmakers pointed out.

Afya is based in Yonkers in Westchester County. All donations were transported to their warehouse for shipment to Poland.

MORE ABOUT AFYA: Donate Crutches, Canes, Trauma Kits For Wounded Ukrainians