BY ELLEN GARNEAU
Pittsford, VT – Just 25 days after Russia began its invasion of the Ukraine, Marble Valley Grange has organized, collected, and shipped 11,475 doses of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen to the Ukraine, as requested by their hospitals and tactical units. On February 24, 2022, Russia began its assault on the people of Ukraine. Ten days later, discussion developed at Marble Valley Grange’s meeting about how they could help the people of Ukraine.
A Ukrainian shipping company called Meest was found to facilitate the shipping from its warehouse in New Jersey to its warehouse in the Ukraine. Their website also provided a list of most needed supplies, which included Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen. Marble Valley Grange sprang into action, with a deadline of just two weeks so that supplies could be shipped as soon as possible to the people in Ukraine.
Collection baskets were set up at Maclure Library and Keith’s Country Store in Pittsford. Local Grange members purchased pain relievers out of their own pockets, and funds were sent in from Grange members as far away as Idaho, which were used to purchase additional pain relievers. New Horizon Pomona also contributed.
Marble Valley Grange met again on March 20 to package the pills containing 11,475 doses of Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen, which was sent from Pittsford to the Meest warehouse on March 21 to be shipped by air to the Ukraine. Marble Valley Grange paid for all shipping costs.
The Grange is America’s oldest national agricultural organization, with grassroot units established in 3,600 local communities in 37 states. Its 300,000 members provide service to agriculture and rural areas on a wide variety of issues, including economic development, education, family endeavors, and legislation designed to assure a strong and viable rural America. The Grange is a family organization and children are welcome at all meetings and events. Marble Valley Grange meets the 1st and 3rd Sunday each month at the Maclure Library in Pittsford.
