Rogers City resident Boyd Byelich said he was originally "inspired" to create "One Box For Ukraine" as a way to help displaced people overseas by sending clothes and other goods.
But, after ice storms wreaked havoc in northern Michigan at the end of March, he was then inspired once again to help... and this time on a local level.
Byelich said it started by getting dinners to lineman who were restoring electricity to the area and by gathering food for the elderly.
Volunteers from One Box have so far delivered over 160 items to places in Presque Isle, Montmorency, Cheboygan and Alpena counties.
To finish up deliveries, he said he could use another type of donation.
"The best thing would be monetary contributions and then I would go out and get these items and take them to the councils on aging," Byelich explained.
He said One Box will distribute items for about 2 more weeks to ice storm victims. While the local campaign will end, clothing donations for Ukraine war victims are still being collected.
Byelich has been overseas to Ukraine multiple times so far to distribute items.
He said, "I'm getting ready to head back over there again. This will be my 20th trip! I think one of the reasons that it really works well is because, I've been to all those places myself several times and know the people on the receiving end and have relationships with them."
When he can't make the trip overseas, Byelich goes down to Warren, Michigan.
"There's a Ukrainian shipping company down there called Meest that I use," he said.
"Everything goes from them directly to pretty much anywhere in Ukraine that's not occupied and gets there in 4 to 5 weeks."
But in cases like the northern Michigan ice storms, Byelich said he will help wherever he gets the "nudge" to do so, that's within their wheelhouse.
He said it works because of the many generous people in Michigan who are willing to help, to donate or to just spread the word about their organization.
To give or find out more, click One Box For Ukraine here.
