It started with a message on Facebook. But soon the whole house of Polish Kasia Zakrzevski was full of supplies for Ukraine. The Helvoirt youth center now collects pasta, rice, milk, toothpaste, blankets and medicines. Tears roll down Zakrzevski’s cheeks: “All of Helvoirt helps, all of Vught helps, Loon op Zand, Gelderland, Tilburg, everyone helps.”
The plan was to drive one van to Poland on Friday to drop off stuff for the neighboring country. But in the meantime an extra truck has been arranged and they will also be heading that way next week.
“I really didn’t expect this,” says Kasia. “My family lives in Poland and that’s why it comes extra close for me.” At times it is time to queue up to hand in things. “Actually it was a three-day campaign, but we will continue.”
Together with Annet Eijkemans, Kasia sorts all the incoming items. “And then I write what’s inside in Polish on the boxes. Yesterday I worked until half past one in the morning. I just cry, it’s all so heartwarming.” Although they are also tears because she is worried about her Polish family.
Annet proudly shows all the goods. “Medications such as paracetamol and diapers in particular are very much needed. You know what’s beautiful, we are all one in Helvoirt for a while. That is so special.”
The men of Kasia and Annet, Gregor and Kees, will leave for Poland on Friday evening. Gregor came to check on the collection point on Thursday afternoon. He proudly shows a full bus with relief supplies. “We will not reach the border with Ukraine, there is code red. But we have addresses where they collect stuff, we just have to see how far we get.”
Meanwhile, Kasia gets an envelope pushed into her hands. “It’s an envelope of money, for the fuel.” Tears are streaming down her cheeks as she tells this. ”I have also just received more than 500 euros for the transport. And so I have already received at least 20 envelopes.”
One of the envelopes even states an address where Ukrainian children can be cared for. ”And if necessary, I have already received several addresses. That is very special.”
Janneke van de Velden from Helvoirt will bring, among other things, a sleeping bag, toothpaste and deodorant. “In group apps, the action goes around. I hope it really helps people. This is a small effort to do, it’s not complicated.”
The next bag with stuff is already brought in. “I started looking in the cupboards for pasta, pasta sauce and vegetables. After that I started buying diapers and sanitary towels,” says Sietske van Iersel. “Everyone knows Kasia and her family and that makes it very personal. That’s why everyone wants to help.”
Annet and Kasia do not have long to stand still. A bus from Gelderland stops in front of the youth center. Completely full of clothes, food, cuddly toys and care products. After another few tears, Kasia starts unloading. “Look, this is what we do it for.”