INDIANOLA, Iowa — (from KCCI.COM
Pavel Shevyakov was born and raised in Mariupol, one of the hardest-hit cities in Ukraine.
He now calls Indianola home, but he’s helping organize a donation drive to help his native country.
“I have seven kids, and I see them every day, and it kind of reminds me of that childhood — just putting myself in the perspective — what if I was still there and these were my children that were facing these times?” he asked. “What would I do?”
A fundraiser has been planned for Saturday from noon until 9 p.m. at Grace Church in Indianola.
People are asked to drop off dry goods with a six-month expiration date, clothing and hygiene essentials. Money will also be accepted.
“They literally have what they are wearing,” Shevyakov said. “That’s how a lot of them had to evacuate. Just whatever they had with them. They couldn’t even bring an extra change of clothing with them. Most of them are mothers with children.”
