March 31, 2022
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – On March 27, the Robbinsville Democratic Club purchased $1000 in medical supplies and donated an additional $1000 by check to support the humanitarian efforts of St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Hamilton, NJ, which is gathering and shipping much-needed supplies directly to the people of Ukraine. The Club is collecting supplies locally and fundraising indefinitely, as Ukraine and its allies respond to the Russian invasion.
“We began this fundraising drive with the goal to raise $500 for supplies, but we had such an overwhelming response from our generous Club members, friends, and family that we decided to do even more,” says Kiran Agrahara, the Club’s president. “We decided to set a goal of raising $1000 for supplies and $1000 to offset shipping costs, as it costs thousands of dollars to send just one truck’s worth of supplies to Ukraine. We are thrilled to say we met that goal.”
The partnership between the Robbinsville Democratic Club and St. George began a little over a month ago, when Natalia Krupa, the church’s donation drive liaison, posted to a local Facebook group that she was seeking cardboard boxes to use for shipments abroad. Heidi Wolfinger, the Club’s philanthropy committee chair, reached out to determine how the Club could support the church in its efforts, and has since become a hub for residents in Robbinsville and surrounding towns who want to help. In addition to the $2000 raised via its GoFundMe campaign, the Club has also donated bags upon bags of clothing, personal hygiene products, and medical supplies collected from residents in Robbinsville and communities nearby.
“The support from Robbinsville and surrounding towns for the Ukrainian people has been inspiring,” says Wolfinger. “Sadly, the need for support is not over, as the war rages in Ukraine. As we watch the devastation, thousands of miles away, knowing that we are doing our best to support their efforts is some solace. Democracy is not guaranteed or free. It needs daily tending and the war in Ukraine is evidence of that. Thank you, to everyone who has donated so far.”
People interested in donating supplies should visit the Robbinsville Democratic Club’s Facebook page for drop-off locations as well as the most up-to-date list of humanitarian needs (it shifts as conditions on the ground change). Alternatively, people can donate to this fundraising link, where 100 percent of proceeds will be used each week to purchase high-priority donation items.
“We want to thank the Robbinsville Democratic Club for its generous donation and continued assistance to the St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church,” says Krupa. “The Robbinsville Democratic Club has gone above and beyond to help and support people in crisis in Ukraine.”
In addition to this effort, the Robbinsville Democratic Club is raising money for a Robbinsville High School scholarship, coordinating a Pride event and LGBTQ forum in June, and spearheading a Juneteenth celebration. Prospective members and friends can contact the Robbinsville Democratic Club executive board at [email protected].
About the Robbinsville Democratic Club
The Robbinsville Democratic Club was founded in 2019 to give Democrats in Robbinsville a place to discuss issues central to the Democratic platform and get involved to make positive change locally and beyond. Membership is open to students and adults in Robbinsville and surrounding communities. For more information, visit www.robbinsvilledemocraticclub.org
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