23-02-2025
Traditional Ukrainian bake sale to benefit traveling, delivering essential aid overseas
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Food and music are significant parts of Ukrainian culture. On Saturday, both were used to raise money and show support as the war in Ukraine approaches the three-year mark.
Our Savior Lutheran Church hosted a bake sale that featured traditional Ukrainian baked goods and desserts. Proceeds from the bake sale will benefit Knoxville-based non-profit KoloHUB, a Tennessee nonprofit whose leaders regularly travel to Ukraine to meet and deliver essential aid to Ukrainians in need.
'I think it's easy to not care because it's far away,' Nelly Ostrovsky, a Kyiv native who has lived in Johnson City for over 30 years, said. 'But I think those people who possess a capacity for deep, empathetic feelings, I do not think they can forget.'
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Rita Gregory, a native Ukrainian who has lived in Johnson City since 2012, hosted the bake sale using food to bring a bit of joy to the community.
'We gather together just [to] spread a little bit of love with all people who are really supportive and say, 'Thank you,'' Gregory said. 'Through our [love language] that is food and traditions as well.
Johnson City resident Carrie Feathers felt called to support those in need by connecting with her daughter's friend.
'When I found out my daughter's best friend was Ukrainian, I got to know Rita and the family,' said Feathers. 'It just really sent home that there are hurting people all over this world. And to support them in any way we can and just to show our love constantly is the most important thing that we can do.'
A benefit concert titled 'Voices of Hope: A Concert For Peace' brought Ukrainian music to the city. Ostrovsky said she hopes the concert shows that support is also needed within her local community.
'I just want people to remember there are still people among us,' said Ostrovsky. 'We [had] some Ukrainian students here performing today that still need help, still need support, still need care.'
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Johnson City-based nonprofit Vols for Ukraine.
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