One Box

I want to share with you my story of volunteering in Krakow, Poland to assist some of the 300,000 Ukrainians currently staying there. I was there from April 15-28, so a week ago today I was on a plane from Krakow to Amsterdam to Detroit to Alpena. For 5 days, I helped with World Central Kitchen preparing and serving about 2000 hot meals a day. The other 7 days were with International Bund at a clothing distribution center where volunteers from about 25 countries sort, organize, and distribute donated clothing to Ukrainian people. On average, about 1100 people came to the center each day and about 9000 items of clothing were given out each day. You can imagine how the mountains of donated clothes disappeared very fast.

Since I have returned, many friends and family have asked me about my experiences there. In one word - PRICELESS. The interactions with the Ukrainian people and all the volunteers – listening to their stories, their plight in Ukraine, looking at their videos and photos on their phones of the destruction, sharing hugs, laughs, and tears; and the impact of seeing so many other volunteers there from across the globe and working with them every day was amazing. Although there were new volunteers every day, you jelled within minutes because all came because they felt compelled to come and help. It is impossible to explain. I think one must experience it to understand.

I also witnessed the phenomenal generosity of the Polish people in donating mountains of new and good condition used shoes and clothing. And, about half of the volunteers each day in the clothing center were local folks from Krakow. Even with this local support, at 9000 items a day being distributed, the needs are still great. So, I am starting an initiative today asking my friends and family to think about sending just one box of needed items to the clothing center in Krakow. Before I went to Poland, I wanted to give but was hesitant because I wasn’t sure if any of my donation would actually end up with a Ukrainian beneficiary. Now, having just returned, I know the people running the clothing center, I worked with them. I can assure you that every item you give and every dollar you spend on shipping will directly benefit Ukrainian women and children and be in their hands within 14 days of shipping.

I have found a company in Troy, Michigan called Amerpol that provides shipping services directly to Poland. A 12”x12”x16” box of items up to 15 pounds ships for $50. This is the cheapest option I have found. You can find these boxes at Home Depot, UHaul, etc. The most pressing needs today, May 5, are new women and children’s underwear and socks, as well as boys and girls t-shirts, shorts, summer jackets, and athletic/tennis shoes. The underwear and socks must be new with tags. The other items can be used as long as they are in good condition, such as things your kids have outgrown.

I will collect the boxes and shipping funds from you and take them to Troy and see that they are shipped. I will also be starting a GoFundMe account to accept donations to help with purchasing essential items, with shipping costs, and anything else you think I should use it for. If you prefer, you could sponsor a box by providing the shipping expense of $50 and I will see that it gets filled with donated clothing items and then shipped to Krakow.

I will continue to share my experiences and pictures, and what the current needs are for clothing. I will also come and speak with your church or other organizations that you think might be interested in helping with this initiative. Please message me with any questions. Thank you for listening to my story.

God bless.

Boyd Byelich