At 122,000 people, Pennsylvania has the second largest population of Ukrainians in the country. After witnessing the tragedy unfolding in Ukraine, many local businesses have felt compelled to take action.
The team at Nexterus, a supply chain management and technology company based in New Freedom, Pennsylvania, was determined to get involved. Their effort began with just a couple of donation boxes placed outside their office.
They wrapped the boxes in yellow and blue-the colors of Ukraine. They crafted signs, so people could easily find where to drop their donations. As they decorated the boxes, Polakoff told his team, "if we fill these two cardboard boxes, we'll be doing something really special."
What they accomplished really was special. Their aim to help in any way they could culminate in a team of 20 volunteers packing a 53-foot truck full of supplies bound for the people of Ukraine.
"It's been overwhelming. We have 23 pallets, 350 cartons, dozens of wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, just essentials that refugees could use," Polakoff continued.
To learn more about their effort, we interviewed Nexterus President & CEO, Sam Polakoff. Read more about his interview with Keller-Brown Insurance team member, Sarah Brown.
Leveraging their expertise
As a leading supply chain and logistics company, Nexterus was well-equipped to accept, organize, and deliver donations to the hands of people who need them. For 76 years, they've coordinated the movement of freight to and from countries all over the world.
In other words, they know how to get things from point a to point z-and back again when necessary. That's why their effort has been so instrumental. They recognized that not only were people in need but also that they had the means to help.
To deliver the donations to Ukraine, Nexterus partnered with the United Ukrainian-American Relief Committee, based in Philadelphia, PA.
Inspired to take action
Although they don't have family or friends in Ukraine, the situation felt familiar. "I'm Jewish," Polakoff said. "I look at all the reading and studying I've done over the years on the Holocaust, and it just feels eerily similar."
In times of suffering, it's critical for people to recognize their commonalities, and that's exactly what the team at Nexterus did because ultimately, it's part of their corporate culture.
"Our culture has always been about giving and helping others in need. That's why we support a different charity every year. Sometimes it has been veterans. Sometimes it has been sick children. Sometimes it has been our furry friends."
The Nexterians (that's what they call their team) always reach out to help when people are in need, and the local community responds with overwhelming support.
How you can support Ukraine relief efforts
Polakoff encourages people to stay informed about what's happening in Ukraine. He believes that when people understand the gravity of the situation, they'll feel inspired to get involved themselves.
Although the Nexterus donation drive is over, there are many local organizations and businesses partnering with Ukrainian charities.
One of Keller-Brown Insurance's very own clients continues to collect donations in support of Ukraine relief efforts. Read our Client Spotlight on South York Smile Care to learn more.
To connect with Nexterus, follow them on Facebook or LinkedIn.