It’s time for spring cleaning and our awesome 4-H member, McKenzie Albright, had a wonderful idea to help you with your spring cleaning and help the residents of Ukraine by hosting a community garage sale at 8 a.m. June 12. All proceeds will go to a medical clinic in Kyiv, Ukraine.
McKenzie came to me with the idea a few weeks ago and has spent days working out the details. Her first task was to think of the big-picture logistics and what we will need to complete to make this a successful event. She came up with a list of subcommittees and their responsibilities and duties to complete between now and the sale.
She then started doing research about what organization she would like support with the money raised from the sale. She was looking for an organization that would have a positive impact, preferably related to medical or food assistance, and where the money would go directly to the cause without having to pay administrative fees. After many Google searches and phone calls, she found out about Clinica Angelia in Kyiv.
“Since 2020, Centura Health/Mercy Hospital has had a partnership with Clinica Angelia, a clinic in Kyiv, Ukraine,” said Lexie Stetson-Lee, senior philanthropy officer for Mercy Health Foundation. “While the clinic has been evacuated, a small team of caregivers has volunteered to remain at Angelia to serve the medical and emotional needs of their neighbors, provide shelter from the near constant air raids, and act as a local base for humanitarian efforts. Other volunteer teams from Angelia are offering care in Chernivtsi and via a mobile clinic for neighboring refugee camps.”
So, how can you help? We are accepting donated items for the garage sale, such as toys, tools, dish sets, books, electronics, CDs and DVDs, video games, skis, bikes, scooters and skateboards, collectibles, furniture or anything else you may have, except clothing. Please donate only items that are in good condition. If you wouldn’t feel comfortable gifting it to a friend, please don’t give it to us.
All items can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 11at the La Plata County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall. If you have extra-large items or are unable to make it on June 11, contact me at the Extension Office, and we will set up a different day and time that works with your schedule.
We will also need shoppers! Please mark your calendar to come out between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. June 12 to the Exhibit Hall at the fairgrounds to get some great deals, awesome finds and support a very worthy cause.
We will have all of our donated items to sell and a bake sale. The baked items will be made with love from our very own local 4-H members. We will have cookies, breads, sweets and much more! Cash or checks only, please.
If you are unable to donate items or join us at the garage sale, we will also be accepting monetary donations. You are welcome to write a check to Mercy Health Foundation and mail it to La Plata County 4-H, 2500 Main Ave., Durango, CO 81301 or to 1010 Three Springs Blvd., Suite 248, Durango, CO 81301 with “Ukraine” in the memo of the check.
Angela Fountain is the La Plata County 4-H youth development agent. Reach her at angela.fountain@co.laplata.co.us or 382-6460.
