‘Team effort’: Charlotte couple collects, ships protective gear for families in Ukraine

CHARLOTTE — A Charlotte couple is working to collect protective gear for their loved ones and families in Ukraine.

The family was working remotely when the Russian invasion started. They extended their trip to stay close to a supply manufacturer.

Zhenya Goncharov met his wife Lily in Charlotte, but his roots are deep in his hometown in Irpin, Ukraine.

The gunfire and explosions were difficult for him to watch more than 5,000 miles away. His friends Nazar and Ruslanda Yakovenko still live in the war zone.

“When I started seeing my town being bombed like that, and people escaping, I had a hard time, to be honest,” he said.

Goncharov worked with his father’s church and a nonprofit to collect more than $200,000 in donations. They’re working on their seventh supply shipment to Ukraine.

“What continues to be a huge demand and what we really need is defense gear and medical supplies,” he said.

The packages are filled with radios, drones, medical supplies and most-needed items, such as helmets and hundreds of bulletproof vests.

He said each shipment weighs about 3.5 half tons and costs nearly $1,500 to ship.

“Our whole team is very thankful for your support and for the supplies we have already received,” Goncharov said.

He hopes each piece can save friends and their loved ones, and it’s all thanks to the generosity of strangers.

“Everything we’re able to achieve is a huge team effort,” Goncharov said.

For more information on how to donate, click here.

(WATCH BELOW: Davidson College alumn travels to Ukraine to help those who could not evacuate)

Davidson College alumn travels to Ukraine to help those who could not evacuate

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