PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. — Next month will mark two years since the start of Russia’s war in Ukraine.
A northeast Florida non-profit is helping refugees build new lives as families continue to flee the country and U.S. aid runs out.
Natalia Plyam with Helping Ukraine said the situation has become more desperate, and it's harder for people to leave now.
She said those still living in the country are panicking as it seems like there's no end in sight.
On top of that, the focus has shifted to the war in the Middle East, and Ukrainians feel forgotten about.
Plyam started the organization out of Ponte Vedra in late 2022.
"It's kind of bigger than I ever thought it would be because we have such strong support from business community, neighbors," Plyam said.
She never imagined the war would still be going on two years later.
Helping Ukraine collects everything from clothing and furniture to toys and gift cards to assist refugees who are making the First Coast their new home.
Plyam said they've helped between 400 and 500 people, and many of those are children.
"It might not mean much for the population in general and for the totality of horror of the war,” Plyam said, “but for the people who come and just need help and they come with little children, it means a lot."
This week, NBC reported 65 Ukrainian prisoners of war died in a plane crash.
At a meeting Tuesday, the Biden administration said the United States has run out of money to provide Ukraine with support.
"I feel like things are getting more desperate," Plyam said.
Plyam said she feels fortunate she immigrated from Kharkiv decades ago, but she knows not everyone is so lucky.
"If it wasn't for me coming here 30 some years ago, this could have been my family,” Plyam said. “This could have been my children."
She said the demand continues as more flee the war-torn country and help from the community is needed now more than ever.
"We don't know what's going to happen to my home country,” Plyam said. “We really don't, but for as long as they're here, I want to make sure they have the basic necessities. They have an opportunity to support their families."
You can contact Plyam at nplyam@gmail.com or send her a message on Facebook to find out how to donate to Helping Ukraine.