A Ukrainian, now living in Idaho, is delivering essential goods to Ukraine
Jun 7, 2022, 4:53 PM | Updated: 8:32 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — More than 100 days into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the increasing destruction is disheartening. But, volunteers, some with Utah ties, are making a difference in the lives of those who are suffering, and those fighting back. A charity born in Idaho Falls is delivering valuable donations made by many Utahns.
“One hundred days into the war, circumstances have evolved for sure. Everybody is used to the idea that they are under attack,” said Svitlana Miller.
Miller is a native Ukrainian, and founder of toukrainewithlove.org. Her humanitarian organization is delivering food, portable power, other essential goods, and hope.
During the past week, Miller and her husband have given out food, medical supplies, and body armor from Citizen Armour in Orem.
They also delivered donated solar charging gear to hospitals, military battalions and families.
“It’s a big deal to people who have to go into their cellars to hide from the rockets or wait out through the air raid sirens,” she said during a video call today.
Bombing left towns without power for lights, cell phones and critical needs. Several weeks ago, Lion Energy of American Fork donated thousands of dollars worth of portable solar panels, generators and strings of bulbs that are already lighting up schools, hospitals, and military battalions.
“It may not save the world,” Miller said. “But, it helps a great deal for a family who’s in the dark for hours at a time.”
Soldiers in the field can now charge phones, drones and night vision gear all at once. Families can charge phones to catch up with loved ones.
Miller was born in Kyiv, came to Utah for college, and now lives in Idaho Falls. She’s been sending humanitarian aid back to her homeland ever since Russia invaded.
In recent days, she had a chance to visit her grandmother, whose home no longer has windows.
“No glass left,” Miller said. “Their neighbors homes have been bombed.”
She sifted through family belongings That were strewn through the home, and discovered a picture of herself in her bridal dress.
“Parts of the house have been hit, and the windows are missing, a lot of damage to the homes. I found my old bridal picture that my grandma kept.”
She’s taking her wedding photo with her, and helping her grandmother escape to Salt Lake City for the duration of the war.
Miller is grateful her grandmother is OK. She said, the Ukrainians remain resolved to defend their country.
