Agata Czopek (left) and a Ukrainian family
The end of February marked one year since Russia invaded Ukraine, and while the year has been marked by destruction, loss and pain for the country, Agata Czopek has seen a lot of hope, as well.
Czopek, a Dauphin County resident, started a GoFundMe last year, shortly after the invasion, with the desire to support Ukrainian families in need.
As she saw families fleeing to her native country of Poland in search of refuge, she also saw a great opportunity to help, even if from mostly afar. Very quickly, her fundraiser raised over $9,000, TheBurg reported at the time. But a year later, between donations to the GoFundMe and through other sources, Czopek had raised $57,700.
“When I started, it was supposed to be one or two families,” she said. “I couldn’t do any of it if people didn’t respond to my call.”
Czopek’s connections in the community helped her garner over 400 donations. She previously served as the director of international programs at Harrisburg’s International House, which closed during the pandemic.
Czopek explained that the funds have gone directly to Ukrainian refugee families in Poland, mainly in and around the city of Lublin. They’ve been able to fund over 5,000 meals for families, provide school fees, help with money for driver’s licenses and assist with medical needs and housing. They’ve also started a “Bridge of Cultures Club,” which provides educational experiences for young Ukrainian and Polish students.
A dinner for Ukrainian mothers and children, held by Agata Czopeck and partners during her recent trip to Poland
In the past year, Czopek has visited Poland several times, providing support to families in need, connecting with local organizations on the ground and starting new projects, wherever she sees a need.
“Everywhere you went, everyone had a Ukrainian family in their home,” she said. “The needs were being met all over the place.”
The meals and food distribution is one of her main focuses, as she and her network of partners support around 150 families weekly. They’ve also supported a program that brings food to those still living in Bakhmut, a city in eastern Ukraine where much of the war rages currently.
There are also new projects she plans to start, such as a free summer daycare so that mothers in need of childcare can go to work.
“There’s not a minute that I’m not thinking about another project,” Czopek said.
Overall, she estimated that they’ve been able to assist several thousand people.
Throughout her trips, while she’s heard many painful stories from refugees, there have also been so many bright spots, she explained. She recalled the time a Ukrainian man dressed up like Santa Claus and brought gifts to refugee children for Saint Nicholas Day. There was also the shopping trip for 800 pounds of meat that would become dinner for grateful women and children or the 30 pounds of Lego blocks she brought for the children.
“I have those moments to hold onto,” she said. “I have cried so much, but these days I cry with gratitude. I feel that I have found meaning in all of the atrocities and pain.”
To donate to Agata Czopeck and her partners’ efforts to assist Ukrainian refugees in Poland, visit her GoFundMe or the Ukrainian American Initiative, a partner nonprofit.
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