Van drivers asked to help get Wiltshire donations to Ukrainian refugees in Poland
Businesses are pulling together to donate vital items to war refugees
Last updated 2nd Mar 2022
A business owner in Amesbury who set up a collection site for donations for people in Ukraine, is asking local drivers to help get the donations across to Poland.
It's as a number of local businesses have joined in efforts to donate vital items to war refugees there.
Sarah Sartin is the director of indoor soft play 'Solstice Play' in Amesbury.
Speaking to Greatest Hits Radio, she said she is "overwhelmed" by the support of local people and communities across Salisbury, but she now needs to start thinking about how to get the items across to Poland:
"I've been given an address in Poole, Dorset where the Polish community are arranging transport for vans and lorries that will be taking it directly into Poland, and there it will be distributed to the refugees."
Volunteers with large cars are being urged to get in contact with the organiser to help with the logistics of getting the items to distribution centres:
"If there is anybody out there that has a van and is able to help to help transport, or knows of any addresses within the Polish community that are receiving these goods to actually make their way across to those that need it, then please do email us."
You can contact Sarah directly on solsticeplay@gmail.com
But Sarah says they are halting donations for the time being, to give them time to catch up:
Another collection point, at Salisbury's Head to Toe salon in Winchester Street, there's also a pause, due to the overwhelming support:
For those wishing to donate, the organiser says that they're still accepting donations but is urging people to check for updates as some items - like clothing and baby products - are no longer needed.
Flashlights and batteries, first aid kits and power banks are some of the items being prioritised, although the list is updated regularly. You can find more information on their Facebook page.