Polish Center in Franklin Raises Money For Ukraine Aid

FRANKLIN, WI — The Polish Center of Wisconsin, a local organization that says it serves as a meeting point for the local Polish community, has been working to help those seeking refuge in Poland from Russian aggression against Ukraine.

Poland, which borders Ukraine to the west, has been playing an important role as civilians flee the invasion of Russian forces. Figures from the United Nations show about 1.7 million Ukrainians have so far sought refuge in the country since the conflict began, CBS News reported Monday.

The Polish Center of Wisconsin, located in Franklin, says in a note on its website it has direct contact with people in Poland who are helping refugees from Ukraine, so the center has been directing donations from the Milwaukee community to help.

So far the center has sent about $19,000 to a Polish community group that is distributing aid to refugees from Ukraine, says a Facebook post shared by Jeffrey Kuderski, the executive director for the Polish Heritage Alliance and Polish Center of Wisconsin.

"The outpouring of immediate monetary support has been so important and beneficial in helping them," reads Kuderski's post, "and we have received recent pictures of boxed food items, clothing, blankets, water, hygienic supplies, medical supplies, and even chocolate candy that were being provided."

The post says the donation drive will continue to be promoted through this week, and larger donations from some agencies are expected to arrive.

Kuderski told Spectrum News 1 his friend in Poland who is at the helm of the grassroots effort has even housed refugees from Ukraine.

Donations to the Center's Ukrainian Assistance Fund can be made through its website.

This article was updated for format.