Collection drive in Provo to help those affected by war in Ukraine
Mar 29, 2022, 8:30 AM | Updated: Apr 1, 2022, 12:14 pm
Items are being collected to be sent to Ukraine at the Vivint employee gymnasium in Provo. Photo credit: Jacob Rueda
PROVO, Utah — A local organization, is partnering with Vivint Gives Back for a collection drive to send items and supplies to those affected by the war in Ukraine.
How the collection drive was started
Stand with Ukraine was started by Svetlana Miller, a native of Ukraine living in Utah. According to a press release, Miller was receiving reports from friends and relatives about the situation back home. She organized Stand with Ukraine as a result.
Miller had already partnered with another company prior to Vivint. The items from that collection were already sent to Ukraine. Vivint is the latest partner helping collect and deliver supplies and other necessary items to the war-torn region.
“We’re collecting items that have been told to us are the most in need by the Ukrainian government,” said Zachary Ibarra with Vivint Gives Back, the charitable arm of Vivint.
Among the items requested are baby formula, rice and pasta, and canned proteins according to Ibarra. Some canned protein items include beans and meats like salmon.
Items will be shipped
Once the items are collected, Ibarra said they will be shipped to Ukraine on a military cargo plane. The drive is especially significant for Vivint, as they have a presence in Ukraine.
“[The company] actually has almost 50 employees and contractors in Ukraine,” Ibarra said. “So, it was an immediate concern for us about their safety.”
Once they informed Vivint that they were safe, he said the company asked about supporting them, their friends, and their families. Vivint is working closely with Stand with Ukraine to make sure items are being delivered to their intended destinations.
“Through [Standing with Ukraine], we’ve been able to coordinate with logistics and shipping companies, where all of our supplies are greeted at the border, and we are able to see that our items go directly inside,” Ibarra said.
The drive is taking place from March 28 to April 1 at Vivint’s employee gymnasium. It is located at 4907 North 300 West in Provo and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aside from the items mentioned above, they are also accepting sleeping bags and first aid supplies.
Vivint is also accepting financial donations here.
