VASJ sophomore Seneca Morton raises $1,000 for Ukraine relief effort

Last weekend, the Lithuanian Club on East 185th Street organized a drive to collect humanitarian aid for the people of Ukraine. When VASJ sophomore Seneca Morton learned about the collection, she decided to go above and beyond.

Seneca began contacting friends and family to ask for donations. At the end of the weekend, she had collected $1,000 and multiple bags of in-kind goods, including sleeping bags, diapers, first aid supplies and toiletries. 

Seneca said she saw the fundraiser as an amazing opportunity to get involved and that she's filled with compassion for the people of Ukraine. 

"Many people have lost everything. Having this opportunity has made me extremely grateful for everything that I have because nobody knows if/when they are going to lose everything," she said. 

Seneca’s mom, Sunny, said it became clear very quickly that people desperately wanted to help, and VASJ's invitation to help get supplies directly to Ukrainians in need was an answer.

“Donations flowed in all weekend,” she said. “Seneca was deeply moved by all the giving. I'm grateful she had this kind of experience to show her the good each person — and lots of people — can do.”

VASJ faculty and staff also rose to the occasion, donating sleeping bags, medical supplies, clothing, baby products and more. 

In the end, two trucks and a minivan were filled with items to donate. The items were delivered to the Ukrainian Association of Ohio and will be airlifted to Poland and Ukraine where the items are needed most.