ROANOKE, Va. – As war continues to ravage Ukraine, people here at home are showing their support for the country.
On Saturday, Ukrainians of Roanoke Valley hosted a rally at Elmwood Park.
Many of the people apart of the organization have family stuck overseas in the war-torn country.
“Every single day I’m just scared to look at my phone. Every minute I’m scared to look at the messages I get. I’m scared to look at the news, what Russian troops are bombing now. How many kids they’re killing,” said Anna Miroshnychenko, a Ukraine native who now lives in the Roanoke Valley.
Ukrainians of Roanoke Valley are raising funds to be sent directly to the people of Ukraine.
“We would like to spread the word. We would like people to stand up for Ukraine and show support and do anything they can to stop this war,” said Inna Payne, another Ukraine native who now lives in the Roanoke Valley.
They say other ways you can help is by boycotting companies that are still invested in Russia.
“By doing that they are helping Russia to continue the war and continue to kill innocent people and destroy the country,” said Payne.
Those with direct ties to Ukraine say they’re grateful for the support they’ve received.
“We have been receiving messages and ideas of what they can do, how they can help,” said Miroshnychenko. “I think it’s in many cities and many states in America because they are fighting for freedom and that’s what America is proud to be, a free country. And that’s what Ukraine wants to be, that’s it.”
To make a donation, visit the group’s GoFundMe page.