3-10-2023 4:26am

New Project Launched To Lighten Ukrainian Spirits

Lesley Misko Editor

A new initiative to help boost the spirits of the citizens of Bohodukhiv, Boyertown's "sister city" in Ukraine, has been launched by retired Boyertown Area School District (BASD) teachers Linda Weinberger and Pam Ferraro, who have spearheaded other recent efforts.

Linda is calling the project "Springtime Cheer." She states that it is a "letter-writing campaign to once again, put smiles on the faces and hearts of people who live in Bohodukhiv, UKR, near Kharkiv and the Russian border. Boyertown, PA and Bohodukhiv, UKR were Sister Cities officially until about 2010. The intention is to simply reach out in a human-to-human, heart-to-heart way and let the recipient know that you are thinking of them, wishing for an end to the war, etc."

Linda provides the following overall guideline: "If you are writing a note, maybe share a bit about your life (age, school, pets, family, hobby). Keep in mind that everyone in this town is under great stress in so many ways, and we do not want to make them even more sad by telling them about our houses, cars, vacations, etc."

She also shares the following suggestions:

1. Send a colorful greeting card and hand write a brief message. Dollar Stores have cards for $.50. Printing might be best, keeping in mind that many older people do not read English.

2. You could write a brief letter, keeping in mind that children usually start learning English at about age 13. Maybe you’d embellish the paper with doodles, drawings, etc. Be creative!!

3. Adult artists and those who might have an adult coloring book. . .color a page and make it into a greeting card!

4. We hope that children will draw springtime or happy pictures of their choosing. Place in a plastic sleeve for protection. A first name and age on the back would be great. We are hoping for many drawings from children!

5. Tuck the flap of the envelope into the card; do not seal. On the outside write “To a (woman/ man/child) from a (woman/man/child) age _______.

6. For your personal security, we suggest you sign with your first name only. Do not include your address. Perhaps “Your friend in America” and name would be appropriate.

Cards and letters can be submitted at the following locations:

Deliver all cards and letters to Linda Weinberger, 1270 Creekside Lane, Quakertown, PA. 18951 by March 31. If you are local there will be a box on my front porch beginning March 15 and you can put your letter in there.

In the Boyertown area, deliver all cards and letters to 232 Shaner Street, Boyertown. One block away from the State Theatre, last house on the right, box on the porch, Ukrainian and American flags displayed.

The photos below show children receiving the gifts previously sent for Christmas.