Cross Foundation Organizing Relief Effort to Aid Ukrainian Refugees

The Cross Foundation of Effingham is working on a fundraising effort to benefit Ukrainian refugees in the Diocese of Tarnow, Poland.

Millions of Ukrainian citizens have fled their homeland due to the conflict in their country, and many have migrated into Poland. Father Marcin Kokoszka, a priest based in Tarnow, is the Finance Steward for the DIocese of Tarnow. Father Marcin serves an area approximately 100 miles from the Ukraine border, and is overseeing the donation distributions to the Ukrainian refugees for help with food, housing and other needs.

Father Marcin is coming to Effingham this weekend, as he is acquainted with Sacred Heart Parish Pastor Father Michal Rosa who is a native of Poland, and the goal is to send him back to Poland with contributions to assist the Ukrainian refugees. If that's not an option this quickly, the Cross Foundation will accept donations through April 10 that can be forwarded to Father Marcin.

Here are some options on how to give:

---drop off cash or checks, payable to the Cross Foundation, at the Cross at the Crossroads at 1900 Pike Avenue in Effingham between 10am and 4pm, OR at Sacred Heart Parish at 405 South Henrietta Street in Effingham between 9am and 3pm. 

--mail contributions to Ukraine Refugee Fund, care of the Cross Foundation, Southeastern Illinois Community Foundation, 2201 Willenborg Street in Effingham

--online contributions can be sent to www.gofundme.com/f/4scsy-ukraine-refugee-support

For more information, phone 217-821-7607 or 217-821-5287.