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Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Serving Kosciusko County and parts of Elkhart, Marshall & Noble Counties ounties Know Your Neighbor. . . . . 2➤ Good Neighbors . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Vol. 51, No. 50
Milford (574) 658 658-4111 4111 • Warsaw (574) 269 269-2932 2932 • Syracuse (574) 457 457-3666 3666
114 W. Market, Warsaw, Indiana 46580
6((.,1* 5(/,() ³ 8NUDLQLDQ IDPLOLHV OLQH XS WR UHFHLYH KHOS IURP WKH 6DOYDWLRQ $UP\ UHOLHI WHDP LQ %XFKDUHVW 3KRWR SURYLGHG E\ 0DMRU 0LNH 0F.HH %\ 6+(/%< +$55(// 6WDII :ULWHU In the aftermath of the assault and subsequent invasion of Ukraine’s eastern territories by Russian military forces, Warsaw’s branch of The Salvation Army and the organization’s larger Indiana Division have been successful in collecting more than $2,500 in relief aid for refugees crossing Polish or Romanian borders. “About 25 to 30% of all Ukrainian refugees are going to remain in Romania,” said Salvation Army of Kosciusko County Envoy Ken Locke, administrator. “The rest of them are going to Poland.” Major Mike McKee, emergency services director for The Salvation Army’s Indiana Division, reported on the immense outpouring of relief offered by two of the wounded nation’s closest neighbors. “The people knew they had been in Romania for at least a day or two by the time we provided services to them,” said McKee, while based in a Romanian Expo center in Bucharest. “It wasn’t like they had just crossed over into safety and their life is now really in danger, so the people there weren’t in a panic mode.” Having received such a large influx of people in a short time span, though, has raised a few concerns from McKee regarding each country’s long-term ability to sustain these efforts. “What the Army will do is maintain a presence there for now,” said Locke. “It’s not like they’re going to pull out unless things get really bad.” On average, approximately 300 to 350 families per day received vouchers valued at the equivalent of $15 to purchase necessities from local businesses. According to Locke, some of them are coming in with what they can currently carry in their hands. At this time, however, the branch’s primary request is for donations in the form of cash. “For them
to get stuff shipped over there right now is almost impossible,” said Locke. “If you can get it there within six months, you’re doing good.” In addition to enabling each refugee to purchase food, water, clothing and other necessities, the money spent from each voucher goes directly to each country’s local economy. While exact figures are not available right now due to the larger organization’s use of an 800 number to directly collect donations for their general relief fund, Locke estimates that the amount raised by the branch will greatly surpass the initial $2,500. McKee, with an empathetic ear, listened to the recounted stories of traumatized refugees relieved to have escaped. “They haven’t been in contact with their family who remain behind, they don’t know where they are and they’re not sure where they’re going to be going,” said McKee. “They do know, however, that they are safe.” One notable response he received, after a quick prayer with families, roughly translates to ‘May your skies be peaceful.’ “That’s what they were running from,” said McKee. “They were afraid planes were coming over to bomb them again, or the artillery was coming through.” For Locke, who also collaborates with the World Compassion Network and the Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association, this time represents an opportunity for the church to serve as the hands and feet of Jesus. “It really is a time where you can say we’re just here to help,” said Locke. “It’s also not just Christian organizations.” Locke also noted some significant observations regarding the paradox of human nature as the war has waged. “We’re seeing the best of people come out in real time as well as the worst,” said Locke. “But good is going to overcome evil and I believe God’s love will win in the end.”
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