VA Middle School Student Collects More Than 200 Boxes Of Supplies For Ukraine

CHANTILLY, VA — Nicholas Flanigan, a Life Scout from Troop 160 in Chantilly, collected more than 200 boxes of medical supplies, baby items and food to help the people of Ukraine who are under siege by the Russian invasion.

The supply drive far exceeded the goal that Nicholas had set for the supply drive as part of his Eagle Scout Project.

Nicholas, a student at Fairfax County’s Rachel Carson Middle School, conducted the Ukraine supply drive at the Fairfax Church of Christ in Chantilly on Saturday, June 11. More than 60 Boy Scouts, parents and families helped with the project over a two-weekend period.

The 200 boxes included 50 boxes of supplies and food, 80 boxes of food, baby items and medical supplies, and more than 70 boxes of diapers that were donated to the Fairfax Church of Christ on June 4.

Prior to the day of the supply drive, Nicholas had said his goal was to collect at least 40 medium-size boxes of supplies and food to send to Ukraine.

“I appreciate everyone who helped with this project, scouts, friends and their parents, and the community for being so responsive and contributing to helping Ukraine,” Nicholas said in a statement.

All donations will be sent to United Help Ukraine, a Maryland-based nonprofit organization founded in 2014. The group will then send the donated supplies to Ukraine.

Leading up to June 11, Nicholas promoted the project online and distributed thousands of flyers in Fairfax County, asking residents to donate medical supplies that can be used for first aid kits, baby essentials, and items such as rice, pasta and canned meat.

"My mother is an immigrant from Eastern Europe, and our family roots go all the way to Ukraine, and I am saddened to see the dire conditions of people living there," Nicholas said. "I hope what I do here, and my community donations will help save many people from suffering and hunger."

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