US couple leads growing fundraising effort to help Ukrainian refugees

A child looking for toys near a clothes donation point as refugees fleeing conflict in Ukraine arrive at the Medyka border crossing in Poland on Feb 28. Photo: Visar Kryeziu/AP

The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia has created a steady stream of Ukrainian refugees crossing the border into Poland, and a local couple is doing its part to help them.

Michal Matras, who is a native of Pulawy, Poland, and his wife, Christine Brinley-Matras, have set up a Facebook group, Metro East Locals Supporting Ukraine, to help bring in donations for the refugees. The group, which was formed on Feb 28, already had 963 members as of March 1 afternoon.