Local Community Shows Support For Ukraine

By MEDIAWIZE The Kids Helping Kids initiative had a widely successful donation drive on Thursday afternoon to support the children impacted by the humanitarian crisis that has unfolded in Ukraine. Residents from throughout the area arrived in droves in Ocean City despite a consistent rain to provide donations, including baby wipes, diapers, energy bars and pouches of baby food. The donation drive was organized by Aidan Fasy, 17, and Alec Wisnefski, 16, his 13-year-old sister, Anna, and 9-year-old brother, Anderson.

The group received additional help Thursday afternoon from their parents and other children, including Brayden McAllister, 9, Aidan Smith, 9, and 4-year-old Shiloh Smith. “We just wanted to help however we could,” said Aidan Fasy. Despite the bad weather, many Ocean City residents, along with generous people from Sea Isle City, Ventnor and other towns, stopped by to drop off donations. “It’s truly amazing to see the generosity of the community and the support they have for the Ukraine” said Allison Wisnefski, whose children were involved in the donation drive. “It was really great to see the response we received.” The donations will be delivered to the United Ukrainian American Relief Committee (UUARC) headquartered in Philadelphia and from there, the items will be transported by air to the Poland border to assist incoming refugees. “We were overwhelmed with people’s generosity. Not totally surprising knowing how this community always comes together in times of need,” said Drew Fasy, whose son, Aidan, was instrumental in the donation drive. “Clearly, people want to do their part to help the Ukraine”