Ukraine Donation Collection in Indianola Saturday 3-26-22

INDIANOLA, Iowa — (from KCCI.COM

Pavel Shevyakov was born and raised in Mariupol, one of the hardest-hit cities in Ukraine.

He now calls Indianola home, but he’s helping organize a donation drive to help his native country.

“I have seven kids, and I see them every day, and it kind of reminds me of that childhood — just putting myself in the perspective — what if I was still there and these were my children that were facing these times?” he asked. “What would I do?”

A fundraiser has been planned for Saturday from noon until 9 p.m. at Grace Church in Indianola.

People are asked to drop off dry goods with a six-month expiration date, clothing and hygiene essentials. Money will also be accepted.

“They literally have what they are wearing,” Shevyakov said. “That’s how a lot of them had to evacuate. Just whatever they had with them. They couldn’t even bring an extra change of clothing with them. Most of them are mothers with children.”

VIDEO HERE