Hi friends of Redding Stake,
It’s Christmas time and during this season of giving, helping refugees and refugee families is a great way to show our Christlike love. We have the incredible opportunity in Shasta County to support Ukrainian refugees who have urgent or immediate needs. Many of them come with little to no personal belongings, besides what they can fit in a suitcase or backpack. They want to make a home here in Redding for themselves but need help getting on their feet.
If you, your family or your business would like to donate to help them, we are suggesting gift cards (Walmart, Target, Amazon, Visa, etc.) as their needs vary and we want to give these individuals the dignity of picking out their own clothing and other personal items. If you would like to send an electronic or online gift card please email it to whitneylowry@hotmail.com or physical gift cards can be dropped off to Whitney directly. Call or text 530-227-0339 to do so.
You can also contact friendsofreddingstake@gmail.com if you have any questions about the process.
Thanks so much!
Friends of Redding Stake
Links to possible electronic gift cards
Want to know more about the families? Read their bios!
The Herasymchuk Family
Oleksandr and Ruslana came to Redding with the help and love the community. Oleksandr has started a car resell business and need tools to perform his job better. Ruslana is an artist and designer. She creates abstract art outdoor decor and recently started her dream job, interior design but also needs tools that will help take her work to a higher level. They have three boys Tomas (9), Samuil (4) and Teodor (2).
Kiporenko Family
Anna and her two daughters Kira (7) and Mira (6) immigrated from Kazatin, Ukraine. Anna’s daughters started school here in Redding. Anna is attending English classes at Shasta College and hopes to begin online studies to further her education.
Ilona, Renata and Erica
Llona and her daughters, Renata (13) and Erica (11) came to October 26. They are from Kiev, Ukraine. Her husband and fathers stayed in the Ukraine to support the war effort. Renata enjoys modern dance and modeling which she did before the war. Erica was learning guitar and ukulele as well as starting art and musical composition. Both daughters are currently continuing our education online in their Ukrainian school, doing homework and taking tests. All three want to learn English so they can integrate into the new place. The girls will start at Boulder Creek soon.
Anastasia and Esenia
Anastasia (36) and Esenia (10) moved to Redding and are living with an American host family. They moved from Kharkiv, Ukraine, running to Europe but saw the United for Ukraine program when they decided to try and find a sponsor to fly to America. With only 2 backpacks they came to Redding one month ago and have been living here since.
Mariana
Mariana (35) was living in Kiev, Ukraine until the war started when she, her mom and her 2 cats were forced to leave. They stayed in Poland with hopes to come home but after 6 months, realized that wouldn’t be possible. While her mom found a job and stayed in Poland, Mariana decided to come to the U.S. for the first time. She is currently in need of a place to stay and a car so she can attend English classes. She is also a musician and has written a few songs.
Smolkov Family
Ruslan, Vika and Taisiya (5). They lived in Saltyvka near Kharkiv, Ukraine which was one of the first areas that was ambushed in the war. They first escaped to Germany and then moved here to Redding. Their daughter took gymnastics and theater classes in Ukraine and currently attends a TK class in Palo Cedro and is learning English. Their needs include new clothes for Taisiya and a few kitchen appliances. They are happy to meet new people and are so grateful to be here.
FYI: This will be an ongoing need as it is likely more refugees will continue to move here. For more questions about that contact Whitney Lowry 530-227-0339 or email whitneylowry@hotmail.com
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