Ukranians living in North Texas are stepping in to help their friends and family back home as the Russian invasion continues. They're this week's KRLD Difference Makers.
When Russia invaded and subsequently annexed Crimea in 2014 Ukranians in North Texas, like Stan Plyako, stepped in to help by gathering donations and medical supplies and sending them to Ukraine via their non-profit called Omnis.
Omnis Health Initiative provides emergency humanitarian assistance and organizes medical mission trips to Ukraine to treat children who are burn victims.
Omnis Education Initiative provides quality educational opportunities for children of war, orphans, and underprivileged children and youth and enables them to develop their potential through education.
In February when Stan heard Russia was once again invading his native Ukraine, he was shocked and dismayed.
"I was in disbelief. It's been a rough time because it's been hitting close to the heart," Stan said. "The streets where I walked with my father, the squares, everything is getting destroyed. My friends that I've known since kindergarten, they had to hide with their kids in their basements and they had to run from their lives from guys with machine guns. I can't even imagine that."
Now Omnis is stepping up its efforts once again - gathering medical supplies and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
"Honestly, everything helps," he said.
Omnis has been gathering medical supplies, clothes, food and money for humanitarian aid.
You can donate directly at omnisfoundation.org/donate, shop the Omnis amazon wish list, or to donate medical supplies email info@omnisfoundation.org.
We're proud to call Stan Plyako and Omnis this week's KRLD Difference Makers.
If you know someone making a difference in the community send us an email at differencemaker@krld.com.
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