Millbrook churches, businesses raise money for Ukraine relief

MILLBROOK —  For most of February and part of March, residents noted paint cans decorated with the yellow and blue colors of the Ukrainian flag, which were distributed around the village to collect donations on behalf of the people of Ukraine after the one-year anniversary of the Russian invasion.

The Rev. Dr. Matthew Calkins of Grace Episcopal Church — in a statement on behalf of Grace Church, St. Joseph-Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and Lyall Memorial Church — described the drive and residents associated with it:

“Linda Kolts, a resident of Millbrook, was passionate about seeking help for the beleaguered citizens and refugees of Ukraine…By the time the drive closed in the last week of March over $3800 was collected. The money will be split between two charitable organizations selected by the churches with effective operations in Ukraine: CNEWA (Ukraine Catholic Relief) and IOCC (International Orthodox Christian Charities).” 

In an interview with The Millerton News about her actions, Kolts said, “I was moved to do more than just pray for Ukraine as we realized that Ukraine’s struggle to remain independent neared its one-year mark. We are a small village, but with three active churches, and people who care, I felt we could do something more.

“After Fr. Matt gave his approval, I visited Fr. Bancroft and the Rev. Fiet who both added their enthusiastic agreement. Then seven shops and the Millbrook Library gave their assent to placing flag decorated paint cans where they could be noticed and a fundraising campaign began.”

Kolts concluded, in her praise of the charitable nature of the donors, “We are grateful for all the shops, churches and customers who were generous with their donations.”