CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — The trunk inside Tetyana Sakharova's SUV is packed with toys, clothing, and arts and crafts. It's all going to children in Ukraine this Christmas in hopes of bringing them some holiday cheer.
"'I know a lot of people forget already. The war is still there, but we want to remind them there's a lot of kids who need our help. There are a lot of people who need our help, but at least if we can help the kids during the Christmas time, they need some joy in their life," Sakharova said.
Sakharova has been helping orphans and people in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February of last year.
As the war continues, she's decided to help out during the holiday season by collecting new and unwrapped presents to give to the children this Christmas.
"The must-have list right now: hoodies, jeans, sneakers, and whatever else you would like to give to them—sweets, other clothes, toys. All of them like toys. It's not only what they need, but so we can give them presents."
Sakharova says she knows things are tight for many families, but she is hoping people lend a helping hand this holiday season.
"I understand there's a lot going on in each family, but I think everyone can afford $5 to donate to these kids, and you need to remember they don't have anyone who will give them gifts. So you will be that miracle this Christmas."
You can contact Sakharova to sponsor a child or purchase new clothing and toys, and what you donate will be matched with what a child wants.
You have until November 10 to drop off new and unwrapped presents.
Drop-off locations include:
- BHG Real Estate in Stroudsburg,
- Magnolia Wellness in Mount Pocono,
- Hazle Park Meats in Albrightsville.
Donations can be sent to:
P.O. Box 1042
Albrightsville PA 18210
You can also donate through Amazon.
See more videos on our area's connection to the Crisis in Ukraine.