THE team behind a major donation centre for Ukrainian refugees are in desperate need of storage space.
Southampton's Polish Social Club has warned it will be forced to "start turning lorries away" if help is not provided by midday today (March 4).
As reported, the community has been collecting goods for the war-torn country since last week.
But volunteers are having to temporarily stop the operation to sort through donations.
Volunteers including Wioletta Nowakowska centre left, Paulina Kozlowska, centre, on Sunday at the Polish Social Club.
Paulina Kozlowska said: “We are on 15 lorries worth now. We just need somewhere to store it.
“We need 10,000 square feet or more with lorry access.
“We need this by midday today or we’ll start turning lorries away.”
The group was visited by Southampton City Council Leader Dan Fitzhenry on Thursday afternoon.
Paulina said: “He’s visited us and promised that the council will do everything that they can to help but we need that help now.”
Meanwhile, the Southampton and wider Hampshire community has continued to support Ukraine through the Russian invasion.
City-based maritime charity Sailors’ Society has launched a crisis appeal to support desperate seafarers caught up in the conflict.
The organisation says there is 75,000 Ukrainian seafarers, who may be many thousands of miles from loved ones – "anxious and powerless to help".
CEO Sara Baade said: "I have been talking to our chaplains about their conversations with those affected. All are extremely concerned for the safety of their families. Some are frightened to return to their country, as they know it will mean taking up arms. Many sob as they talk about their fears and frustrations. This is tearing them apart.
“But I’m so thankful that we can be there for them – to listen and comfort, to pray by their sides and provide Wi-Fi units, so they can call their loved ones, hear their voices and share messages of love and support.
“Sailors’ Society needs your help today so that we can continue to be there for those in desperate need."
To donate, visit: www.sailors-society.org/ukraine-appeal
Two Southampton restaurants have turned their attention to the war.
Ottoman Kitchen is hosting a charity evening. Tickets are £34.95 per person with £10 from every ticket going to support Happy Child Childrens Charity in Ukraine.
There will be a charity auction, entertainment and a three course meal.
Kutis Brasserie is selling a Kyiv Mule cocktail for £10, made with British vodka, with all proceeds going to a charity in Ukraine.
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has also launched an appeal.
Together with its partners at Recycling Solutions Northwest Ltd, the charity is collecting a variety of high demand, essential items will be collected for the relief effort: nappies, baby wipes, vaseline, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, bottled water, soap, shampoo, shower gel, bandages, plasters, toilet paper, sanitary towels and baby formula.
Keith Wilson, director of marketing and fundraising at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance, said: “Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance is in the business of helping people in desperate need, and I know many of us have felt powerless to do anything to support the thousands of Ukrainian refugees reaching Poland and elsewhere. We are delighted that through our partnership with Recycling Solutions the charity and our supporters can make a real and meaningful difference to the lives of Ukrainians who have been through so much pain and hardship in recent days.”
For more information, and to check the locations of the recycling banks, visit www.hiowaa.org/get-involved/recycle/
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