Basingstoke residents have been rallying together to collect a range of items to donate to those who need it most following the invasion of Ukraine.

Spotlight UK Basingstoke is just one of the many charities going the extra mile to help. 

The charity has launched a Ukraine appeal on Facebook to help support Ukrainian refugees. 

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On Facebook they said: “Hi all, Spotlight are supporting Helping Dogs and Cats in the appeal for items for the Ukrainian Refugees that are going into Romania. 

 “There will be a few vans going to Romania over the next couple of weeks with donations so please if you can help with any of the following please drop to Hart House, Priestley Road, RG24 9P.”

They are are asking for donations including blankets/bedding, baby milks/baby bottles, sterilises, shoes for all ages and coats for all ages.

Other residents have been taking to Facebook armed with donations including Zoe Marie Briden who got together “a couple of bags of clothes” ready to go.

The Premier Quality store on Abbey Road in Basingstoke wanted to also do their bit to help taking to Facebook to do just that.

The shop will be taking donations until Saturday, March 5 when a van will be collecting and shipping out the items.

On Facebook they said: “As a local community we would like you to join us helping Ukraine. 

“From today until Saturday by donating things needed. Blankets, sleeping bags, towels, nappies, hygiene products, clothes for women and children, shoes and small toys.

“We ask that things are clean and not damaged. You can bring the donations to our shop and on Saturday we will have a van to collect and transport your support to those who are in need. For change lets write a new history build on love and respect.

“Please join us and let us show them our solidarity and our heart.”

Jo’s Messy Play, play sessions for under 5s has been getting bundles together to send out on March 11. 

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Joining her is Basingstoke Skip Hire who are calling for residents across Basingstoke to help them collect a range of items.

Laurie Hughes posted on Facebook: “Basingstoke Skip Hire will be collecting any clothing (any age), non perishable foods and toiletries to send on a lorry to Ukraine and surrounding areas, we are storing at our offices in Armstrong Road, hoping to send a vehicle in a weeks time so needs to be next week if you can, thank you.”

Martin&Co in London Street, Basingstoke, has launched a collection. It has organised a joint collection with Thermoheat Plumbing in Fleet, which will be providing an 18 tonne truck. 

The items that are in high demand are nappies and wet wipes, including nappies for elderly; lothing for woman and children; tinned food; dry sanitary products; bottled water; thermal clothes and gloves; batteries, flashlights and candles; baby food - formula; baby bottles, dummies, drinking cups for young children (only due to donation rules); toys; food for children - long term and dry; warm blankets and sleeping bags; painkillers; first aid kits; face masks and hand gels; and dog/cat food.

A spokesperson said: "Please help us do our bit for these poor people who have had their whole lives ripped away. If you can get items to us by 11th March so we can get them over to for the Monday 14th when the truck leaves."

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