For any Rutland residents wanting to donate clothing, shoes, food and more to the Ukrainian people fleeing to Poland, a local shops in Melton Mowbray and Oakham are hosting a collection this week.

Driven out of their home by the Russian troops invading Ukraine, it is estimated that over 500,000 people are seeking refuge in Poland and the other neighbouring countries. Not only are many having to leave their husbands, fathers and brothers behind, but they are also fleeing with very few possessions, meaning that when they eventually find safety, they have no home comforts, or even clothes, to dress themselves or their children.

As such, a local group based just outside of Rutland in Melton Mowbray have begun collecting items to donate to those in need.

Oakham based company Olive Oakham and Melton based clothing shop Kidzone, have set up drop off points where people can donate.

Kidzone posted on their social media: "As most of you will know, Ukraine was attack by Russia on Thursday. From that time more than 160 000 people (mostly women with kids) have crossed the border in to Poland and there will be many more!

"Because the people had to leave everything we are organising a collection for them. Collection will be only up until Thursday. Then everything will be transported to the Polish border with Ukraine."

What they are collecting:

Clothes and shoes (all ages)

Blankets and pillows

Raincoats

Nappies, pads etc.

Batteries and flashlights

Bandages, plasters etc.

Dry food (canned meat/fish, dry fruits, instant soups, nuts etc.) If anyone can help please do not hesitate to message the shop directly through their Facebook page. The shop is open today, Tuesday the 1st of March, so if anyone has any of these items spare they can drop them in between 9:30am and 5pm. For those based in Oakham who are wishing to donate, Olive Oakham have set up a collection point in their salon in Crown Walk. Donations can be made during the salon opening times between 9am and 7pm. Donations need to be dropped at Olive Oakham before 7pm on Wednesday the 2nd of March. Alternatively, those based in Melton wishing to donate who have missed the Kidzone time slot can contact Magdalena Antoczyk

and drop items off at her home until Thursday evening.