RESIDENTS of Overton village have come together to collect thousands of essential items and donations for those fleeing violence in Ukraine.
Rainy Carter, 49, is leading the donation drive through the Facebook group Love Overton.
The King’s Meadow resident, who felt helpless after talking to her Ukrainian friend, said she decided to start the collection to support the desperate people.
READ MORE: How can Britons help Ukrainians during the conflict?
“I worked with a Ukrainian girl at a nursery in Laverstock up until last year. I spoke to her on Saturday night, and I just felt absolutely helpless,” Rainy said.
“Her parents are still living in Kyiv. I just wanted to do something. I knew there weren’t any numbers to which you can send money. In fact, they didn’t want money, they need help. They need food, baby food, nappies, medicines, first aid kits and sanitary products. They are desperate.”
Rainy announced the collection drive on Facebook after getting in touch with a Polish woman who will be transporting donations to the Ukrainian border.
Overton residents have given Rainy incredible support since then. The collections points are set up at the Red Lion Pub, The Party Booth store, and 7 Paultons Road.
“The response has been incredible,” said Rainy.
“It has just snowballed in the last 24 hours. I am so proud of our community that is doing everything. The help has been unbelievable.
“I have had calls and messages from schools, churches, telling me they all are doing collections in the whole area.”
Rainy said she has also received help from a business to transport the items from Overton to Andover on Friday.
“Micheldever Tyres has kindly offered their van to transport the items. I can’t do it alone in my little car,” Rainy said.
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“Edyta Janiso-Szkutkowska, who runs a Polish shop in Andover, and another person named Bogusia Rachwal-Komorska, are transporting the items to Ukrainians.
“The lorry will leave from Andover to Poland on Saturday. They are going to take it to refugees there and try to get it across the border.”
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