War Sucks for Children

MT. PLEASANT — Vacuums will be popping up in yards across the Mt. Pleasant area to raise funds and awareness for Ukrainian children effected by the Russian attacks.

The vacuums will function similarly to the toilets used to raise funds for Alzheimer's.

Donations can be made to have the vacuums removed or sent to another person’s yard. These instructions are listed in detail on their website www.warsucksforchildren.com and will be attached to the vacuums as well.

Blue and Yellow signs reading “War Sucks for Children” will identify the vacuums.

A reception will be held Wednesday, May 25 from 6 p.m. — 8 p.m. with light refreshments and a short presentation at 7 p.m.

To attend the event register at the War Sucks for Children website.

According to the United Nations as of May 1, 226 children have been killed and 319 children injured since the initial attack by Russia on February 24.

The U.N. does believe these numbers are considerably higher, but there is a delay in information due to the hostilities.

It is also estimated by the U.N. that over half of Ukrainian children are currently displaced due to the conflict.

When a group of retired teachers from the Mt. Pleasant area found themselves talking about the tragedy, they wanted to do something about it.

Patty Madden, Bev Anderson, Kristi Emerson, Kimn Hassenfritz, Pat Heusmann, and Anita Hampton worked together to arrange a fundraiser for these children.

The group found assistance from Mike Heaton, a former Mt. Pleasant Community School student, who connected them with UNICEF to ensure funds are allocated appropriately.

The Mt. Pleasant and surrounding communities have been challenged to meet a goal of $10,000 to offer relief to the children of Ukraine.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com