Every day there are still free trains and buses that take refugees to Poland. The means of transport are overloaded, often there is literally no air and some people faint. Those who don't have a place to sit, stand.

Volunteers from the Salesian Family are involved in helping those waiting at border crossings. They distribute hot meals, sandwiches, drinks, blankets, and sleeping bags. They transport people across the border or carry them to their destination.

Many refugees make stops at Salesian homes, 1 to 3 nights, to refresh themselves, rest, eat. Others, who have nowhere to go, stay longer. Some require psychological, medical, legal care. The Salesians try to mediate in finding homes/families where they might stay longer. They then organize special programs in the oratories and children are admitted to Polish schools. Students are also given everything they need to go to school.

Practically all Salesian institutions in Poland are carrying out fundraisers and collections of materials. The money is used to keep the refugees in place or is transferred through Salesian channels in Krakow or Warsaw or through Caritas.

Convoys to Ukraine carry medical supplies, sanitary items, power generators, blankets, mattresses, long term food. And convoys arrive from Germany, Italy, Malta and Slovakia.

At the headquarters of the Salesian Missionary Volunteers "Młodzi Światu" (SWM), in Krakow, Tatiana has also been active for a few days. Until recently she lived quietly in Zhytomyr. Forced to leave, when she arrived in Krakow, without hesitation, she made a decision: "I want to help". Her knowledge of Polish language, friendliness and organizational skills have contributed significantly to the improvement of work at the SWM office.

Together with Ania, a volunteer, she welcomed and supported the refugees from Ukraine. The Salesians are watching over everything: Fr Andrzej Król, Rector of the community, Fr Tadeusz Goryczka, President of SWM, and Fr Marcin Wosiek - coordinator of the reception of refugees in the Krakow Province (PLS) and of the collection of the necessary materials.

The warehouses are filled with boxes filled with various items on which is written: baby food, pacifiers, personal hygiene items, flashlights, bandages and much more. Monika, Diego and Grzesiek, as well as many others, sort the donations and pack them into boxes. These are the packages that, along with the electric generators, are transported to Ukraine.

Furthermore, school supplies provided by kind-hearted people have already found new owners in the refugee children in the Salesian centers in Krakow - just one of many locations where the Polish Salesians are providing shelter and inclusion in educational and play activities.

On March 3, the National Meeting of the Provincials of the Polish Salesian Provinces was held, in the presence of Fr Roman Jachimowicz, Councilor for Central and Northern Europe, the Provincial Economers, the Delegates for Mission and for Social Communication. The purpose of the meeting was to gather the necessary information to improve the coordination of the assistance provided by the Salesian Poland. One thing is certain: the Salesians with their hearts are with and for the people of Ukraine.

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