A local ministry is using its experience and contacts to get much-needed items to Ukrainian refugees. On Tuesday Friend Ships loaded the second truck of donations to be shipped to Romania. The ministry has contacts with two church communities there.

With many families fleeing homes with nothing but the clothes on their back, hand sanitizer, sanitary wipes, children’s travel duffle bags with blanket and towel, new shoes, new clothing and hygiene supplies are much needed according to Sondra Tipton, one of the directors of  the all-volunteer nonprofit organization. Its property, which includes Port Mercy,  is situated on the Calcasieu River in Lake Charles. The ministry serves locally and globally, providing disaster relief, humanitarian aid and medical services. The group got its name because when it was first formed, a ship was purchased to get help to the people who needed it.

“These supplies will be container trucked to Houston, then shipped to Romania for distribution to war refugees,” Tipton said.

Shipments are being coordinated by Heaven’s Reach Ministries, Lowell, Arkansas. Loading assistance in Houston will be provided by Medical Bridges. Walmart supplied trucking, shoes and children’s duffle bags with towels and blankets.

“Having been through something similar, we know what the people of Ukraine are going through,” Tipton said. “We knew there must be something we could do, but we have been waiting for the pieces to come together.”

Tipton said the current geopolitical landscape reminds her and her husband, Don, of August 1991 when their ship and crew arrived in Riga Latvia. A Soviet coup began that day. People were afraid to speak or to look at strangers for fear they may be informants. The Tiptons were begged by Latvians to take them back to the U.S., or at least take their children  so they would not have to live under Communist rule. That coup failed after a few days.

Friend Ships is taking applications for long term, full time volunteer personnel to serve at Port Mercy in Lake Charles. It is especially in need of welders, construction workers, deck hands, grounds keepers, office personnel, housekeeping, warehouse personnel, mechanics, engineers and food service staff. Room and board are provided. For more information, go to www.friendships.org