Mary MacRae, whose parents were both Ukrainian and came to the UK after WWII, is co-ordinating efforts at Hallmuir POW chapel near Lockerbie, while the Rotary Club is taking up a post in the town’s Tesco car park to receive supplies.
Within two hours of opening up the Hallmuir storage area, Mary had received multiple bags of warm clothing as well as nappies, wipes, toiletries and sanitary products, and even a travel cot.
Mary, who lives in Annan, said: “I have been overwhelmed, by the donations and the kindness of people willing to help.
“Chris, from the Polish shop in Dumfries, has offered to take as much as we can collect – I can’t believe it. He said he’ll even get a bigger van if we need it.”
Mary still has family in Ukraine, who are currently safe.
Meanwhile, Mirka Soukopova Magill, of Dumfries Sling Library, is appealing for parents and carers to donate unused baby carriers and slings.
She said: “It is unimaginable what these families are going through. “Offering them the option to carry their babies and small children close to their heart can hopefully provide some practical help and calm during this incredibly stressful time.
“All we ask is that the items are clean and don’t have any faults.
“Any type, brand and style of slings will be hugely appreciated, although we now have several baby box wraps promised and we believe that buckle carriers are preferred for their ease of use, so we would ask that if you have one of those to pass on.”
Carriers can be handed in to The Pied Piper shoe shop on Dumfries High Street before the end of this week.
In addition, donations to cover the cost of postage are being welcomed by Mirka and can be made via Paypal.Other items particularly being sought are coats, duvets, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, toys, dry food products, first aid kits, baby milk, baby bottles, toiletries, bandages, nappies, wet wipes, torches and headlamps.
Mary will be at Hallmuir from 2 pm to 4 pm today and tomorrow, as well as on Saturday afternoon and again next week.
The Rotary Club will be in Lockerbie Tesco car park from 10 am to 1 pm every day this week and next.
And in Lochmaben, the parish church will be open for private prayer and reflection from 10 am to 11 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm on Fridays 4 and 11, and Saturdays 5 and 12 March.
