WITH hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians being displaced from their homes, people in St Helens have stepped up to help in whatever way they can. 

As the reality and scale of Russia's invasion became apparent, public appeals have been made all over the country asking people to donate essential items for fleeing refugees.

In a matter of days, collection points have shot up in St Helens and people from all over the borough have answered the call and donated goods.

At one local donation centre, the response was described as "overwhelming".

St Helens Star: Zuza Kubaszczyk and her friends helping out with her donations for Ukranian refugeesZuza Kubaszczyk and her friends helping out with her donations for Ukranian refugees

Predominantly, these items - such as blankets, toiletries, kids clothes, and first aid kits - have then been delivered to the Polish Integration Support Centre in Liverpool, which has become has become the leading supplier of donated goods across Merseyside.

While the first batch of donations will leave for the Polish-Ukrainian border tomorrow (Friday, March 4), there will be more opportunities to help the cause in the coming weeks.

Where are the donation centres in St Helens? 

St Helens Star: St Ann's Millennium Centre in RainhillSt Ann's Millennium Centre in Rainhill

  • Seven Stars Inn, Millbrook Ln, Eccleston, St Helens WA10 4QZ
  • Eccleston Arms, Prescot Road, St Helens WA10 3TU
  • St Helens College, Water St, St Helens WA9 1PP (Student's only)
  • St Anns Parish Church & Millennium Centre, View Rd, Rainhill, L35 0LE
  • GPW Recruitment, Wors ley House, North Rd, St Helens, WA10 2BL
  • No Duff UK, The Wonderland Centre, Unit 4 Reflections Court, Canal St, St.Helens, WA10 3JQ - Medical equipment only

St Helens Star: Donations at St Ann's, Rainhill this weekDonations at St Ann's, Rainhill this week

What can I donate?

  • Medicine - First aid kits, plasters, bandages, panthenol etc.
  • Food - Any canned or long-life food, long-lasting baby food
  • Equipment - Sleeping Bags, thermal camping mats, sit mats, batteries, flashlights, hot bottles and candles

St Helens Star: Dean Owen at No Duff have been asking for medical suppliesDean Owen at No Duff have been asking for medical supplies

Meanwhile, business DriverNet has launched the Stand With Ukraine St Helens #SWUSH project to help co-ordinate donations for Ukraine in the town.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/Stand-with-Ukraine-St-Helens-swush-107614935204867 for more.

 

Is there any other way I can help?

  • To arrange a collection from your home, call 07464 432075
  • To volunteer as a collection driver, call 01928 592405
  • If you can provide transport (such as vans or trucks) to help with the deliveries, call 07722 667592