Taunton is collecting essential items for Ukrainian refugees
Facebook group 'Help for Ukraine Taunton' has launched an appeal.
The polish community in Taunton have come together to set up a collection for Ukrainian refugees.
'Help for Ukraine Taunton' is a Facebook group which is sending essential items to Poland and the Ukrainian boarder to help those fleeing conflict.
We've spoken to Dominika and Ula who are fronting the appeal, they are both from Poland but now live in Somerset and say it feels very close to home:"When I look at the news, pictures and videos that people are publishing Ukraine looks just like Poland!
"When the homes, the blocks of flats are being bombed, it doesn't differ at all from the blocks of flats I used to live in.
"It just feels like it's our people, like it could have been us."
In Taunton there are two collection points for people who are wishing to donate items. You can donate at Compass Wellbeing and the Polish Shop Strokrotka on E Reach.
"It defiantly touched us and we felt it was very important to get involved and do something and make a little bit of change.
"It's minimal probably, but at least it feels like we are in control and can spread a little bit of good among the community in Taunton."
When we spoke to Dominika and Ula, we asked them how they feel about Russians invasion of Ukraine.
Their families are in Poland: " Our families are certainly very worried about what's going to happen.
"My brother lives in Poland currently and he can't believe what he sees, the amount of people that are coming over and the amount of people that are helping them aswell.
"They just don't know what's going to happen tomorrow."
Collection Points Information
Collection Points for Taunton:
- Compass Wellbeing @7, Belvedere Trading Estate, Taunton TA1 1BH
Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
- Polish shop 'Stokrotka' @ 5A E Reach, Taunton TA1 3EN
Monday - Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm
Collection Point in Bridgwater:
- Hair and Beauty Gallery @ 44 Eastover, Bridgwater TA6 5AR
Monday - Saturday 9am - 3pm