DOZENS of collections aimed at helping people fleeing war in Ukraine have sprung up across the North East this week.

The United Nations (UN) says about a million people have already left the country in the wake of invasion by Russia.

And the European Union has estimated up to four million people may try to leave.

Refugees are crossing the border into neighbouring countries including Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Hungary and Moldova.

Read more: The Darlington places taking donations for Ukrainian refugees

More than 500,000 people are reported to have crossed into Poland, with many people having waited up to 60 hours to get across the border in freezing weather. 

Dozens of donation points have been set up by businesses and individuals across the region who are planning to drop them off at the Ukrainian border.

Here are some of the places in Teesside where people can drop off essential items including duvets, nappies, clothes, toiletries and medical supplies.

The items which are most needed include camping mats, sleeping bags, protein and energy bars, painkillers, anti-flu medicine, wound dressing materials, first aid kits, warm blankets, thermals and base layers, hot water bottles, insulated flasks, baby food, nappies, feminine sanitary products, power banks, large and medium size backpacks, and dry food.

 

Middlesbrough Football Club

Middlesbrough Supporters Forum is working with Middlesbrough Football Club to hold a collection.

A van will be located outside the Legends Lounge between 11am and kick off at the Boro v Luton match on Saturday, March 5.

Anyone not attending the match is asked to arrive before 1pm to ensure access.

Middlesbrough Foodbank has offered the use of its van and a driver to support the collection.

No clothes are being collected at this time. If cash is donated it will be given to the Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal.

The Northern Echo:

Hogg Global Logistics, Hartlepool

The Hartlepool firm is collecting duvets, blankets, nappies, wipes, sanitary products and all types of medical equipment and over the counter medicines, paracetamol, bandages, plasters and calpol.

It is not collecting food or clothes.

It has been inundated with donations so far, including 45 sleeping bags from Stockton-based Ultralight Outdoor Gear.

The delivery address is Hogg Global Logistics LTD, Hartlepower Energy Hub, 81 Stranton, Hartlepool, TS24 7QT. 

It is accepting donations until March 14.

The Northern Echo:

 

The Claxton Hotel, High Street, Redcar

The hotel is accepting donations which are being driven to the Polish border on Thursday, March 10.

Wayne Davis, of Polaris Blinds, is driving a van and the hotel is acting as one of the drop off points.

Delivery address: 196 High Street, Redcar, TS10 3AW

Billingham Town Council

Billingham Town Council is collecting donations of blankets, towels, medical supplies, non prescription drugs, toiletries and toys.

It is not accepting clothing donations.

Items can be dropped off at the council officer in Billingham town library.

Anyone with queries is asked to contact the council rather than the library. The office number is 01642 551171.

Teesside Sling Library, Nunthorpe

Teesside Sling Library helps new parents learn how to carry their babies in slings and make it comfortable for both adult and little one.

They are working with Romanian sling company ISARA who are receiving donations for baby slings to be given to Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing with young children.

A donation point has been set up at  16 Allerton Park in Nunthorpe to collect baby slings.

Pineapple Black Arts, Middlesbrough 

Teesside Hannah Hawkins has set up a Facbook group to coordinate donations.

Further details can be found by visiting the UKRAINE SUPPORT COLLECTION - TEES VALLEY page. 

She is organising a drop-off day at Pineapple Black Arts, Hill Street Centre, in Middlesbrough, on Monday, March 7.

Items to be donated can be dropped off there and they will be sorted and divided for transport. 

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