INDIANAPOLIS — We've seen the pictures of the now more than three million refugees who've fled Ukraine, many of them women and children, finding safety in Poland since the invasion began.
Soon, some much-needed help will be heading their way from Indiana.
Two local organizations are teaming up to send thousands of pairs of shoes to the refugees at the Polish border and people still living in Ukraine.
Changing Footprints and Mission to Ukraine are making it possible to send 5,000 pairs of shoes to those in need.
Today, volunteers with Changing Footprints were sorting and packing up the shoes that Mission to Ukraine will ship overseas.
"Many of the people have left their homes with a bag, carrying maybe just a few days' worth of clothing. Many of them have walked many many miles, once they got close to the border. Many have left without any shoes at all for their children because they were just trying to pack as much as they could, with just a few minutes to do so before the bombs hit near them," said Steve Boles, executive director of Mission to Ukraine.
The shoes will be ready to go early next week, driven to Chicago, and then shipped.
There are 15 sortings available in the next month, all directed toward shoes for Ukraine.
Anyone interested in signing up to help with one can do so online.
-
Hundreds of local students go holiday shopping for kids in need
Hundreds of local students have already done some holiday shopping, but they won’t be taking the gifts home. They’ll be giving them to local families and kids in need.
Drug overdose deaths down in U.S. for first time since 2018
The U.S. saw a 14.5 percent decline in drug overdose death in the last year. Marion County also saw fewer overall overdose deaths.
Silver Alert issued for missing 52-year-old from Warsaw
A Silver Alert has been issued for a 52-year-old woman from Warsaw, Indiana. Police said she's been missing since Oct. 28 and may be in danger.
Buck Creek Township Fire Department has more women on staff than ever before
Five percent of all career firefighters are women, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. One Hancock County fire department now has the most women on staff they've ever had.
