A Goderich woman who grew up in Ukraine is trying to collect supplies to send to the country.

Iullia Dovzhenko grew up in Dnipro, a city of about a million people several hours southeast of Kyiv.

Dovzhenko says there are many items needed as people find shelter including hygiene products, first aid supplies and clothes.

“In subway stations, underground, because hospitals, some are being bombed and not working.”

She’s been trying to keep in touch with friends and family but communication has not been consistent.

“My family, I ask to write me whenever they can, so they are trying to, but some provinces they didn’t have light, they didn’t have electricity so there is no internet.”

Dovzhenko says she’s arranged a drop off point at the YMCA in Goderich adding she and her husband will then transport the goods to Toronto.

“So many people are reacting, so many people want to help so we will see how big it will be. I have some people that have written me to help with transportation as well so I’m so happy with this reaction and so happy with people’s hearts.”