March 28, 2022
By Jessica Cerrito
Staff Writer
As a result of Russia’s large-scale military invasion of Ukraine, more than 6.5 million people have been displaced, and there are approximately 3.7 million refugees who have left the country.
In an effort to support these refugees, the History and Computer Clubs held a collection drive between March 14-23 to gather necessities including disposable utensils, hygiene products, medical supplies, non-perishable foods and tableware.
At its meeting during lunch on March 23, the History Club packaged the donations it received.
History teacher Mr. Clifford, who advises the History Club, said, in total, the club donated about 1,000 items to the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral in Clifton, which is sending them to the refugees in various nations.
“[We wanted to] help our fellow men, women and children. Since this is a significantly historic event, it was a great opportunity to educate ourselves on the history of the Ukrainian-Russian relationship as well as to help those in need,” Clifford said.
Teachers also participated in dress-down days on March 11 and March 18, where they raised $665, which was also passed along to the Ukrainian Orthodox Holy Ascension Cathedral.
“Innocent, peace-loving people are being killed, wounded, bombed and targeted. It’s our job as humans to appease the suffering of other humans. Donating is an easy way to help.”
Clifford said he was happy about the outcome of the fundraiser and hopes it taught students the importance of getting involved instead of being bystanders.
“Innocent, peace-loving people are being killed, wounded, bombed and targeted. It’s our job as humans to appease the suffering of other humans. Donating is an easy way to help,” Clifford said.
Senior Daniel Imbornoni, who is president of the History Club, said this collection was very important to him.
“Those people aren’t that much different from us. They went from living out their daily lives much like we do to fleeing their homes, their friends and their families, searching for safety and a place to survive,” Imbornoni said. “With much of their country slowly being destroyed by warfare, the least we can do is donate some goods that will surely be appreciated by those who need it most.”
Imbornoni said he encourages students to help Ukraine as much as they can.
“It is important for people to show their solidarity with Ukraine when they are able to. Whether that means flying a Ukrainian flag, putting up a yard sign, posting on social media or some other thing, it is important for these refugees to know they have support,” Imbornoni said.
Before students act, Imbornoni advises them to learn about the cause to which they are contributing.
“It’s important to know why you are doing something and who you are supporting,” Imbornoni said.
Business and technology teacher Mrs. Weckstein, who advises the Computer Club, said she was interested in aiding Ukrainian refugees, so she spoke to the Computer Club members, and they decided to join forces with the History Club after hearing about its collection.
“The people of Ukraine have been bombed, shot at and displaced from their homes. They are living in makeshift shelters in terrible conditions. Any humanitarian help we can give to them is a worthy cause,” Weckstein said.
She said students can help in other ways as well such as donating to a charity or organizing a raffle.
“We all need to learn and practice empathy, sympathy and compassion for others. Working together as a school community, we can achieve big things, and it’s important for students to become part of that community,“ Weckstein said. “Our students can own this achievement by participating even in a small way, one box of Band-Aids at a time.”
