On March 3, 2023, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, visited the students and faculty of MacAfee Road School in Franklin Township, New Jersey. Archbishop Daniel visited the school, as a sign of gratitude for the school’s efforts to support the people of Ukraine who are suffering from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. MacAfee Road School is a relatively small elementary school with little over 400 kids, but who have big hearts. Over the past few months, the students fundraised and collected school supplies for the orphans that the UOC of USA supports. In addition, they also collected approximately $1,500 to sponsor two powerful generators for Ukrainian families who live in dark, cold, and inhumane conditions under the constant shelling by Russian forces.
With the approval and support of the school principal - Ms. Karen Adams, two teachers at MacAfee Road Elementary Mrs. Marisa Saucedo and Ms. Nadine Bent, started a project called “Share the Love of Heat” in February 2023. Mrs. Saucedo and Ms. Bent teach their students to love, care, treat and share with those who are in need. Over 150 kids, faculty, and school employees participated in this project of love. In solidarity with the Ukrainian families who are suffering, they painted blue and yellow (the colors of the Ukrainian National Flag) handprints on the walls of the gym. With this awareness they were able to fundraise to purchase generators. This beautiful gesture shows that this unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the struggle of the Ukrainian nation has touched the hearts of all people around the world.
During his visit to the school, Archbishop Daniel presented the MacAfee Road School an award pin for raising a significant amount of money to Help Ukraine Fund. He also distributed to the faculty and staff Ukrainian blue and yellow peace pins.
We continue to pray. We continue to hope. We continue to stand with UKRAINE.