COMMUNITIES in Glasgow have come together to show their support for Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion, by inundating donation drives across the city with supplies for refugees.

Collection points have been flooded with thousands of items after grassroots groups launched appeals on social media.

Truckloads are due to leave in the next days and weeks, destined for Poland, where tens of thousands of Ukrainians are seeking shelter. 

The items being collected are predominantly essentials for women and children, like nappies, baby wipes, toiletries, and warm clothes.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson to provide update on Russia's Ukraine invasion today

In the West End, the Helping Ukraine initiative had to suspend donations after being overwhelmed with supplies at the Om Hindu Mandir temple.

Glasgow resident Kasia Sebastainowicz, from Poland, had shared an appeal for donations on Facebook last week, with the intention to personally deliver them to Ukrainian refugees in a van.

Now the group, led by Kasia and her friends, has received an incredible response and is now looking for volunteers to help sort the thousands of bags, ahead of next week’s journey to Poland. 

The 121st Clarkston Glasgow Scout Group also had to pause donations at their hall in Aidans Brae due to the volume received so far.

Dennistoun cafe Rawnchy and the Simon Community in Glasgow teamed up to send donations to Mossgiel Farm in Ayrshire, who organised a lorry of supplies currently en route to Poland.

Where can I donate to Ukrainian refugees in Glasgow?

A number of businesses and organisations have made their premises available to collect more items:

  • Frosoulla's Greek Restaurant - Battlefield
  • Kraken Chippy - Cambuslang 
  • Kwik Call Plumbing & Heating - Shawlands

Church of Glasgow, on Glasgow Road in Cambuslang, is a drop-off point for larger items. 

St. Fillan’s Primary School, in Cathcart, is accepting cash collections only.

Deanston Bakery in Shawlands has organised a fundraising bake, with all proceeds going to refugees, on Sunday, March 6.

On the same day, a bric-a-brac and cake sale will also be taking place at Belgrave Community Garden on Belgrave Lane in Kelvinbridge.

The designer behind Bing Bong Mail, the irreverent cancer cards for charity, created a new design for Ukraine, with proceeds going to the British Red Cross.

You can buy the card here.

Charity Glasgow The Caring City has set up a crowdfunder that has already exceeded their £10,000 target. The money will help provide aid locally. 

You can donate here.

READ MORE: Nicola Sturgeon: Nations must unite against Putin's attack on Ukraine

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What items can I donate to Ukrainian refugees?

Most collection points accept these items, but we recommend checking with the individual groups:

  • Adult winter clothes and boots
  • Children's winter clothes and boots
  • Essential toiletries
  • First-aid kits, bandages and basic medicines
  • Newborn items like formula, nappies, baby food and wipes
  • Camping equipment like sleeping bags, mats, blankets and torches
  • Dry and tinned food

How many people have left Ukraine?

More than 800,000 civilians have fled Ukraine so far, according to the UN.

Poland has welcomed 453,000 and the Polish Government says a further 50,000 are arriving every day.

Glasgow Times: Residents of Kyiv board a train to Western Ukraine amid the Russian invasionResidents of Kyiv board a train to Western Ukraine amid the Russian invasion

The European Union estimates that up to four million people may try to leave the country because of the Russian invasion.

This article will be updated as further collection points are set up and others suspend donations.