Sparta Slovakian Immigrant GoFundMe Aiding Ukrainian Refugees

SPARTA, NJ — A woman who came from Slovakia to New Jersey aimed to raise $5,000 to help Ukrainians fleeing to her country of origin. She's raised almost three times her goal in a week.

The first shipment of material goods has already arrived for distribution by the woman's local network in Slovakia. Marcela Hollywood came to New Jersey in 1995 from Kosice, Slovakia, a city 40 miles away from the Ukraine border. She has organized a GoFundMe to help deliver food and basic necessities to those fleeing Ukraine in freezing weather.

"We have the local capacity, including cars, trucks, and eager volunteers. We could use some funding. I will wire every donation for disbursement and supply direct to the point of immediate need. Please understand every penny will have an immediate impact. We pray this is very short-term," Hollywood said.

She explained to donors her connection in Slovakia. "Growing up, my niece Patricia Markova (Patchka) often summered in our home in the USA and many of you may have met her. Now, she is a Manager at VUB Bank in Kosice. Patchka and her husband Simon (great guy) went to the market in Kosice and loaded the family wagon with baby formula and diapers and drove to the Slovakian side of the border at Vysne Nemecke where their donation was eagerly received."

The United Nations reports more than 2 million people have fled Ukraine since the invasion by the Russian military late in February. As of Tuesday, the UNHCR reported Poland had received 1,204,403, the most among European neighbors. Hungary has taken in 214, 160, and Slovakia so far has received 165,199. Another 84,671 have fled to Romania, according to a report by the Guardian.

Marcela Hollywood's GoFundMe has since raised nearly $14,000, almost triple the goal she set on March 2.

"I am from Kosice, Slovakia. ... Many refugees, almost all women and children, are desperately transiting into Slovakia at this crossing. More are expected to arrive quickly. The government is trying to organize, but it will take time," Hollywood explained. "The officials on hand confirm there are immediate shortages of everything, particularly baby formula, fresh milk, clothing, and diapers."

In a video showing the drop-off location of the donated materials.

"It is freezing weather now and is expected to remain freezing next week. It's a real crisis," Hollywood added.

Donations have been coming in all week, and the first round of goods has been delivered.

On Wednesday Hollywood wrote, "A sincere thank you to everybody who donated to this fundraiser. Today our noble and dedicated team on the ground in Slovakia made the first disbursement of materials including diapers, milk, baby formula, sleeping bags, blankets, toiletries, and even some coloring books to a local shelter in Kosice and a border post at Ubla."

She said, "More will follow as we try and maximize your generosity."

Hollywood said needs are shifting and she is being told the crisis will not be over any time soon.

"We have learned a few things. Firstly, the need shifts constantly but as the local organization improves we can target requirements. Secondly, we are told to be patient as it seems this crisis will not subside soon. We will update further soon. Thank you very much."

The fundraiser page can be found here.

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