Ukrainian children to receive hundreds of donated gifts from Scotland as war enters third winter

Hundreds of children in Ukraine will receive a present from Scotland this Christmas thanks to an aid organisation’s gift donation campaign.

Cuddly toys, colouring books and chocolates are among the items being packed by volunteers at Tayside and Strathearn Help for Ukraine (TASH) at their warehouse near Errol, Perthshire.

It’s hoped around 800 boxes will be sent out in early December.

“We just really want to send some love and let these children know that they’re not left alone, that we’re thinking of them, that we’re looking after them,” said co-ordinator Sarah Mackintosh.

“It’s actually really important for our own children too. A lot of our kids have been involved, a lot of schools have been involved, to think about people that have absolutely nothing. A lot of these children have lost everything.

“It was really sad putting this together again after last year, we hoped it would be for only one Christmas, but here we are entering the third winter of the war.”

War in Ukraine enters third winter as UN estimates 17.6 million in the country need humanitarian support

The Russian invasion of Ukraine started on February 24 2022.

The UN says more than six million people have sought refuge in other countries, with five million displaced within Ukraine and a further 17.6 million in need of humanitarian assistance as the war continues.

Mariana Horal came to Scotland with her children while her husband remained in Ukraine to help with the war effort. She’s been volunteering with TASH.

“The war is terrible, we have courage and bravery, but all the people are tired, the world is tired of this, but we need to stay together,” she said.

“If we stay together we can win this war.

“Our children live in war, but the presents we are sending from Scotland will make them a little happier.”

TASH is about to send out its 70th lorry load of aid to Poland for onward distribution in Ukraine.

“We’re packing warm clothes to go out with the next delivery, we get donations from all over Scotland but we still need more,” said volunteer Jane McKinlay.

“We always need sleeping bags, warm duvets, More and more people are made homeless by the drone attacks and there are still a lot of people living in just basic shelters.”