The Darlington places taking donations for Ukrainian refugees

Several locations throughout the town have opened their doors to act as a spot where people can drop off their donations before they are transported to the Polish border with Ukraine. 

A range of charities have all launched appeals for donations following the Russian invasion - and hundreds of Darlington residents have already responded out of their own goodwill. 

Read more: This County Durham business man is travelling to Ukraine to help the war torn country

Here's everywhere you can donate in the town: 

Firthmoor Community Centre

Volunteers at the local community charity are working with a Ukrainian family living in Darlington who have friends and relatives caught up in the terrible situation in their homeland.

The group said it wants to play its part and is acting as a donation point for those wanting to show their support.

In a social media post on Wednesday evening, the centre said: “Thank you to everyone for their kind donations today.

“Our team of staff and volunteers have been busy all day boxing things up for the first shipment leaving for the Polish border on Saturday morning.”

Donations can be dropped off at the community centre reception from 9am to 5pm on Friday.  

Darlington Football Club

As well as holding a cash collection for the people of Ukraine at Saturday's game, Darlington FC are also accepting donations of goods near the turnstiles.

The Quakers previously announced they will be wearing their yellow and blue third kit during the match against Blyth Spartans.

“Have a rake around the cupboards, and if you have any of the following, why not drop them off before Saturday's game?” the club said. “As you'll have seen from the media coverage, the people of Ukraine need our support.”

The club said they would like donations of the following items which we can then pass on to a charity that is helping Ukraine.

• Blankets 
• Backpacks 
• Travel cushions 
• First aid kits or items like - bandages - plasters -anti-septic creams - painkillers - flu medicine - nose drops /sprays - paracetamol 
• Toiletries - shower gel/shampoo/conditioner/ razors / toothbrushes / toothpaste (maybe travel/disposable?)
• Baby milk/nappies/baby stuff
• Underwear 
• Thermal Socks (men, women and children) 
• Thermal underwear - men/women/children 
• Disposable cutlery/cups etc 
• Non-perishable food items (long dates ) - rice/tins etc 
• Reading glasses
• Power banks 
• Old unlocked mobile phones 
• Pet supplies - food/vet supplies , I.e calming tablets

Read more: North East doctors collect vital medical supplies

St Hilda’s Church

St Hilda’s Church on Parkgate, in Darlington, is taking donations this weekend for people fleeing the country.

The church is open for receiving and packing donations on Friday between 5-8pm and Saturday 11am-4pm before the trucks are loaded on Saturday evening.

Below is a full list of requested items:

Venture Properties 

The business is is currently trying to assist in collections of vital items, which will be transported directly into Ukraine from Poland.

A social media post read: "We are also collecting money which can be used to purchase diesel and pay for lorries fares to get this into Ukraine.

"We will make sure any cash goes to the right people and will supply you with a paypal account if you feel comfortable with this method."

Drop any of these items off at our Darlington office at 45 Duke St DL3 7SD

Staff at Venture Properties with the donations. Picture: The Northern Echo

Darlington Veterans Community

The support group is sending piles of clothes and toiletries to help people who have left Ukraine.

Darlington Veterans Community, which provides support to ex-armed forces personnel and their families in the Darlington area, collected a mountain of donations last year to give to Afghanistan refugees.

However, due to the quantity donated not all of it was needed.

The clothes and toiletries which were left over are now being diverted to Ukraine.

Dan Smith with the donated goods at the Old Gentleman Pub in Darlington last August. Picture: PAUL NORRIS

Darlington Assistance for Refugees, Charity Quiz Night

Volunteers providing support for refugees in the North East have organised a quiz night later this month for Ukraine and its citizens.

Up to 50 per cent of the funds raised will be given to the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal, with the other half going to support refugees and asylum seekers in Darlington.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £7.50 for children, which includes pie and peas. The quiz takes place on Saturday, March 19, at Mowden Rugby Club.

Click here for more information.  

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