“There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest…” – Elie Wiesel

The war in Ukraine may seem far away and something we are witnessing on the news. However, with Blackstone Valley’s diverse immigrant population it is not surprising to learn that there is a significant connection to Ukraine particularly in the Woonsocket area. 

Krakow Deli Bakery Smokehouse has been doing amazing work soliciting needed supplies for Ukrainian refugees. During a recent visit to their shop at 855 Social Street, Woonsocket boxes of blankets, diapers, and other items were stacked up in front of Polish accouterments on either side of the shop.

When we entered we saw the counter had a beautiful display of yellow and blue carnations. As we shopped and purchased our pierogies (Krakow has some of the best pierogies around!), we spoke with the owner and she  stated they plan to continue collecting items as long as the conflict goes on, especially now that a container has been donated and placed outside the establishment for donation storage.  As of Saturday, the container was ¾ full and the owners will be packing up pallets to ship today, Tuesday March 22nd. Volunteers are welcome to join them.

Items they are collecting include:  personal hygiene products, women’s and children’s underwear, diapers, inexpensive flip-flops, cloth towels, over-the-counter medicine, and first-aid kits. You can bring it in at any time during regular business hours. Items will need to be packaged into cardboard boxes and labeled! Business hours are: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday 8 am – 5 pm. 

The owners are also looking for donations of art and gift certificates for an auction they’re doing to raise funds for the refugees.  

If you stop by to donate, why not try some of their Pierogies as well or some of their other delicious food… we know you won’t be disappointed. Their shop is like stepping into a section of Poland with the language being spoken all around you and items marked in Polish. We love that the shop is so colorful and full of hope, and we applaud the work that they are doing!  

St. Michael’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Woonsocket is helping to raise funds for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine as well.