More than two years after the conflict of their homeland began, displaced Ukrainians continue to hold on to hope of returning to their homes while they build new lives in new countries. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has helped La Răscruce, an evangelical church that operates a community centre in Iaşi in Romania to provide aid for refugees living there.
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Adrian Palady of La Răscruce saw an increased need for staple foods and hygiene items for Ukrainians living in Iasi and sought assistance from the Church. Two years ago, when the Ukrainian conflict began, La Răscruce and the Church collaborated to distribute hygiene kits donated by the Church. La Răscruce also provided humanitarian service directly to Ukraine in these cities: Odessa, Ismail, Vinitsa, Kiev, Hmelinsky, and Herson. More than 25 trips have been completed to Ukraine.
The majority of Ukrainians in Romania are women, children and people with disabilities. Language barriers, the need to care for young children, and physical challenges make it difficult for them to find jobs. Additionally, due to the length of the conflict, support resources have been scaled back.
In response to the request, the Church donated basic food and hygiene items for 250 Ukrainian families. The congregation of La Răscruce joined with members of the Church at the La Răscruce center to assemble the food and hygiene items. The Church also donated 3,000 prepared meals over a two-month period to Ukrainians in Iaşi who are homebound, allowing them to enjoy a warm meal each day.
One of the recipients wrote to Adrian expressing “thank you for always being with us, those from Ukraine. For support and care, for the ability to help us in difficult moments “. Another wrote, “when I unpacked the bags of products I started to cry and thank God that there are people like you on earth”.
Adrian explained that in addition to providing material help for refugees, it is also a remembrance that they are not forgotten and they are not alone. This interfaith collaboration has blessed the Ukrainian families that received food and hygiene items while creating new friendships, trust and understanding for everyone involved in this project.