While war rages thousands of miles away, many local residents have ties with Ukraine and are compelled to do what they can from afar. Donations of goods have been collected and shipped to the region. To help with this ongoing effort, Southampton resident Natalie Massa started iLoveUkraine Corp, a nonprofit assisting with the shipment of donations.
“We established iLoveUkraine Corp in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” said Massa. “I have immediate family there and it has been devastating. I’m grateful to be a part of this kind and caring community.”
To help raise money to pay for the shipment of donations, the group has organized a scavenger hunt in Southampton Village for this Sunday, April 3, starting at noon. Participants will follow clues that will lead them to the final location and get a prize for finding it.
“Many people reached out [to me] and are happy to help. Our first van full of donations was sent to Ukraine two weeks ago. Our second shipment was sent last week — 2,000 pounds of first aid and medical supplies,” said Massa, whose father is still in Ukraine.
Among those helping Massa organize the event is Brittney Epley.
“When Russia started to invade Ukraine, Natalie was quick to act and set up donation efforts on the East End for Ukraine,” said Epley. “A simple Facebook post asking people to drop off supplies to her house turned into an overwhelming amount of donations in a matter of days. Her house was literally full by the end of the week.”
It was Epley who helped arrange space at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Hamptons to store donations and pack them for shipment.
“The local schools have done such an amazing job with collecting donations so I figured a scavenger hunt would serve as a fun activity for these children while allowing them to be engaged in this crisis. As a mother of four young children I always strive to discuss current events and allow for teachable moments but have to be mindful of how to best involve them without creating anxiety and fear,” said Epley.
For information on how you can help with relief efforts, go to iloveukraine.org. To get details on the scavenger hunt, email bepley11@outlook.com.
Staff Writer on Mar 29, 2022