New York State and Hudson Valley Stand with Ukraine
Photo courtsey of the Dutchess County Government website, https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/docs/Ukraine-Donation-Flyer.pdf
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has sparked outrage across the world, with many seeking to contribute to relief efforts and stand in solidarity with Ukranians. As New York is home to the largest Ukrainian population in the country, the state, and Dutchess County in particular, have mobilized in support of the Eastern-European nation.
On March 7, County Executive Marc Molinaro announced a partnership between Dutchess County and the Afya Foundation for a humanitarian supply drop-off for Ukraine. This took place at the former JCPenney in the Poughkeepsie Galleria where the organization was accepting supplies from first aid kits and hand sanitizer to diapers and flashlights.
“This is a horrifying and heartbreaking time for Ukraine, and I know many people in Dutchess County are anxious to help,” said Molinaro. “The generosity of our community has always been strong, and there are specific needs we can help meet.”
Although the collection site has since closed, Afya is still accepting donations on their website. They also have an Amazon Wishlist where people can buy and donate goods like medical supplies and gas masks to the Ukrainian people.
From March 11 to March 18, the four Department of Motor Vehicles offices in Dutchess County also provided donation boxes for residents to donate new, unopened goods and supplies for Ukranians.
Another local organization taking action is the Ukrainian American Youth Association of the Hudson Valley. They are also accepting donations of medical supplies and monetary donations that can be made at Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church. They have created a GoFundMe as well where people can contribute monetary donations to support aid efforts.
Mid-Hudson restaurants also held fundraisers to support humanitarian relief in Ukraine during the month of March. According to Hudson Valley One Magazine, residents were able to contribute to relief efforts through a Ukrainian Relief Fundraiser on March 9 at the North Plant Road Tavern in Newburg, where the restaurant worked in conjunction with a local Ukrainian Church and the city’s Jewish Community Center to host a formal program and collect donations. With attendees encouraged to donate $20 at the door, all proceeds were donated to Ukrainian relief efforts, including the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society and World Central Kitchen.
A few days following Russia’s invasion, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced that the state of New York would be placing strict sanctions on Russia and pulling out all their investments.
"Russia has chosen to attack democracy and we will stand with Ukraine as we condemn these atrocities," Hochul said. "Our state will not permit its own investment activity, whether directly or indirectly, to aid Russia as it commits these human rights violations.”
Hochul also announced that New York is welcoming Ukrainian refugees, saying “We have said we’ll open up our hearts, our homes, our resources to the people of the Ukraine, to say, ‘We stand with you.’” She added, “If you need a place to stay, you want to come over here, we will help you become integrated into our community.”