PEOPLE in communities across Helensburgh and Lomond have been playing their part in the humanitarian efforts to support refugees fleeing Ukraine.
United Nations figures show more than three million people have fled the country since it was invaded by Russia three weeks ago.
In response, people across the UK and other countries have set up collections, organised transport of goods to Poland, and helped raise money for crisis appeals.
Over the weekend, members of Rhu and Shandon Parish Church hosted a drop-off session for clothing donations.
They partnered up with Glasgow: The Caring City charity, which has been operating an emergency appeal for Ukraine.
Nolan Tonks
Andrew Nisbet of Rhu and Shandon Parish Church said: “The response and generosity of the public was overwhelming and well over a ton of clothes was donated.
“In fact our partner charity Glasgow the Caring City had to do two runs with their large van to collect all the donations.
“Sincere thanks are due to all who donated and the loyal band of volunteers who helped receive and then load all the bags.”
And the community's efforts haven't stopped there: more than £800 was donated at Sunday worship and a special prayer service at Cardross Parish Church last weekend.
Pupils at Parklands School in Helensburgh are making and selling beautiful blue and yellow candles, while St Joseph's Primary in the town is raising money for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund's Ukraine relief effort.
Margaret Gray, Rosie Brown and Jean Murdoch with the astonishing cache of donated goods
Arrangements are also in hand for the Ukrainian flag to be flown from some council flagpoles in Argyll and Bute in a gesture of support.
Elsewhere, a business in Cardross which designs sleeping bags for babies is working with a group providing supplies for infants and children.
Hannah Machlachlan, owner of BabyMac, has joined forces with the Scottish Preloved Baby Box appeal.
The group is working with humanitarian agencies to give baby boxes, which are provided to all expectant parents in Scotland, a second lease of life.
Hannah has set up a link which allows people to donate a sleeping bag to a Ukranian family.
For each bag donated by a customer, BabyMac will provide another.
Hannah said: “Like everyone else I have been watching the news and wondering what I can do to help.
“I have a wee one and cannot begin to imagine fleeing my home with only a handful of items.
BabyMac’s appeal has been popular with people across Scotland
“I just hope my sleeping bags and the boxes they are going in will provide some families with basic essentials required to survive.
“I cannot believe how quickly and generously people are donating.
“Thank you so much to anyone who has donated so far.”
To find out more and donate the cost of a sleeping bag, click here.
And the local help effort doesn't stop here: as reported on this site yesterday, a fund-raising table top sale will be held in the grounds of St Modan's Church in Rosneath on Saturday, March 19, organised by Rosneath Events to support the work of the React Aid charity in Ukraine.
The Helensburgh Advertiser's publisher, Newsquest, has also organised a fund-raising appeal to help those in greatest need in Ukraine: to find out more, and to make a donation to our #ThereWithUkraine appeal, click here.
Or to donate to the appeal being run by the Disasters Emergency Committee, click here.
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