Area groups helping Ukrainian communities

Marco and Sarah Volpitta in Ukraine. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By HERB FOSTER

Two northern Westchester groups are conducting similar humanitarian efforts to aid residents of Ukraine who have been severely affected by the war with Russia. While these programs operate separately, they have shown that small towns in northern Westchester can make an impact in a war zone thousands of miles away.

One initiative is overseen by Donna Volpitta of Pound Ridge, who petitioned the Town Board to establish a sister city in Ukraine. The board approved the initiative in April, and a committee was formed to support a sister city relationship with Zazymia, a suburb of Kyiv. The relationship was made possible by a U.S.-based charity, Ukraine Aid International, which has paired American cities with Ukrainian counterparts.

Much of Volpitta’s drive comes from her family. Her son, Marco, also of Pound Ridge, started volunteering in Ukraine during his junior year of college. 

“My son believes, and I can’t argue with him, that the future of global democracy lies in Ukraine,” Donna said. “They are really fighting for all of us.”

For the Volpittas, it has become a family affair. Marco has spent the last 10 months as a drone pilot for the Ukrainian army. Donna’s daughter, Sarah, a Fox Lane High School graduate and current college senior, raised enough money through another Ukrainian charity, 50 States for Ukraine, to purchase an armored vehicle for Marco’s unit, which she delivered this summer. The primary goal of 50 States for Ukraine is to have active volunteer groups in all 50 states raise money for vehicles to aid Ukraine’s defenders.

The Pound Ridge Sister City Committee is now finishing its fundraising for a firetruck that was purchased for Zazymia. Employees of Ukraine Aid International found the firetruck at auction and delivered it this summer.

“Our goal this fall is to finish the fundraiser for the firetruck and to purchase generators because Russia is attacking a lot of the energy structures to try and freeze Ukraine out to make this winter miserable,” Donna said.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m., the committee will host a screening of the documentary “Porcelain War” at the Bedford Playhouse. Winner of the 2024 Sundance Film Festival’s U.S. Grand Jury Prize for documentary, “Porcelain War” tells the story of three artists who “stayed to fight — armed with their art, cameras, and, for the first time, guns.” After the screening, a panel of people with firsthand experience on the front lines will answer questions and share stories of hope. Marco Volpitta hopes to join via Zoom from Ukraine.

Another effort is driven by the Bedford-Armonk Rotary Club. Partnering with the Rotary Club of Ternopil City, Ukraine, the Bedford club has provided valuable monetary assistance to that beleaguered country over the last four years. Working with Yuan Loza, president of the Ternopil club, the Bedford club has helped provide miscellaneous items, including insect repellent, healing cream and cooling packs for Ukrainian soldiers.

Last year, the Rotary Club helped Ukraine purchase a 3D printer used to make personalized decorative and protective covers for leg prostheses. This year the club provided funds for a 3D scanner that can produce accurate scans for individual prostheses. 

“It is heartwarming to know that we can help folks thousands of miles away cope with their misery by giving them another professional tool to use and improve their everyday life,” said Gordon Aydelott, the local club’s project manager.

Funds for this effort came from the club’s annual Christmas tree sale at Bedford Hills Memorial Park.Visit ukraineaidinternational.org or 50statesforukraine.com for more information.