The plight of our brothers and sisters in Ukraine has justifiably been the focus of our prayers and supplications to the Lord. This is indeed praiseworthy, and I ask our faithful to continue praying for peace and resolution, and to also consider offering something tangible to those who have had their lives turned upside down by an unwanted war, and especially those who are children.
St. Nicholas has partnered with the Manitoba Parents for Ukrainian Education non-profit organization to help provide school supplies and all for Ukrainian refugee children, called “Backpacks for Hope” which provides Ukrainian refugee children with school supplies and toys, so that every Ukrainian refugee child that arrives in Manitoba receives those basic necessities for school. Our blessed Patron, St. Nicholas is in many respects a patron of those who are in need; As the Akathist to St. Nicholas says “You are truly a helper to all, O God-bearing Nicholas, and you have gathered together all that flee unto you, for you are a deliverer, a nourisher, and a quick healer to all on earth, moving all to cry out in praise to you…” and a request like this call for school supplies, presents an opportunity for our community to bear witness the love and intercession that he has provided for our families over and over again, for the last 111 years.
Let us offer our thanksgiving to God for his intercessions, by following his example of providing the needed items for these children; and by it manifest the saving love of God for the whole world. May the Lord bless your generosity.
Items that can be donated are the following.
- New or near new backpacks
- Glue (glue sticks or school glue)
- Children’s scissors
- Crayons, pencils/pens/markers
- Notebooks/scribblers
- Pencil sharpeners
- Rulers/pencils/erasers
- New small toys (eg: cars, UNO cards, Pretty Ponies, craft kits, playdoh, colouring books, stickers etc.)
- New hygiene items (eg: Children’s shampoo/Children’s body wash or soap/ deodorant for teens, chapstick/lip gloss, pocket Kleenex, hair accessories, toothbrush, and toothpaste)
Items can be dropped off at St. Nicholas, and for more information please contact stnicholasofnarol@gmail.com
stnicholasnarol.com 