AN OAP from Eggleston has taken over co-ordination of the upper dales’ effort to support people in Ukraine despite not having his own transport.
Tom Easton relies on friends to ferry vital goods needed by people facing the war in eastern Europe.
The scheme works by people dropping off items such as non-perishable food, baby formula, nappies and other basic supplies at the Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services) office in Middleton. The items are then packaged by Mr Easton at his home before being sent to a warehouse in Thirsk and then transported to Ukraine.
The 78-year-old took over the role of co-ordinating the effort late last year.
He said: “I don’t have a car so I go everywhere by bus. I can’t carry everything on the bus so I have friends who collect for me. I check everything to ensure it is suitable, then I box it up in reasonably-sized parcels – enough to last a person a week or a family for two or three days.
“It is really not that difficult but it does take a lot of time ringing people and sorting the boxes.
“It is great fun and I am very glad to do it. Everyone I deal with is great. The people are all volunteers and they are wonderful.”
He added that good most needed are dry and tinned foods, baby formula and nappies, as well as over-the-counter medicines.
The retired planner said there was also a dire need for cleaning materials.
“It is stuff for the hospitals and aid stations. They are running out of bleach, washing power, soap, wiping cloths, hand cleaner.”
Other useful items people can donate are portable gas stoves and torches.
Anyone wishing to contribute can drop items off at Utass. A list of items can be seen in the Utass window, as well as Middleton Co-op.
