Baking for Ukraine
photo by Lexi Jones
Graphic made by Lexi Jones for the group’s social media posts.
Four friends with one common goal have come together for the purpose of raising money to support a Ukrainian refugee family as well as an organization called Baranova 27. They are baking homemade bread and sugar cookies. The group began by posting on Facebook and was greeted with overwhelming support from the community.
“I think it’s really great people are willing to help, it’s easy to ignore issues happening across an ocean, but the community knows what they are seeing is wrong and want to help in any way they can,” said Maria Steiling (12), member of the group baking for Ukraine.
The idea came from Lexi Jones (12) who had been unable to take her eyes off what had been happening in the news, desperate to help in any way she could.
“I wanted to do this for a lot of reasons. First and foremost it’s about right and wrong. What is happening in Ukraine is wrong, and therefore it only felt right to try and help makes things better. To me, the war in Ukraine is not just about Ukraine,” said Lexi Jones. “It’s about freedom, democracy, and human decency. When I came into contact with Oksana, the issue began to hit really close to home for me. She has young kids that are a similar age to some of my younger cousins…I just knew I had to try and help her.”
The group chose bread and cookies because Ukraine is often referred to as the “breadbasket’ of Europe. Sisters Laney Jones (12) and Lexi Jones have previously sold cookies for Christmas so they thought using their pre-existing fanbase would be beneficial.
“For the past two years, my sister and I have had a lot of success baking and selling Christmas cookies during the month of December. When my sister mentioned the idea of selling bread to help Ukraine, it was an easy decision,” said Laney Jones.
If you would like to join the cause by making a donation or buying bread and cookies, please contact Lexi Jones at [email protected], Laney Jones at [email protected], Maria Steiling at [email protected], or Ellie Fitzpatrick at [email protected].
“I would encourage everybody to do what they can. It doesn’t have to be a lot—every little bit helps. We all know the golden rule: treat others how you would like to be treated. I have a feeling that if most of us were in Ukraine’s position we would like some help,” said Lexi Jones.
Jholy • Apr 26, 2022 at 11:10 am
This is awesome for you guys to take the time to help those that are suffering in Ukraine.
Layla • Apr 25, 2022 at 8:38 am
I liked what you guys are doing. It is inspiring, so keep up the good work! And the cookies are fantastic!
Tara Reynolds • Apr 24, 2022 at 5:56 pm
It’s so great that these four students decided to help out, even if they’re not directly affected by the war. It’s very inspiring.
Haylee • Apr 22, 2022 at 12:34 pm
I believe that this is an amazing idea and is going to end up helping out majorly. I personally think that these people have great hearts and are all very caring people. Choosing bread as one of the baked goods was such a creative idea considering the Ukraine is called the “breadbasket” as stated in this article.
Kyndall Hamilton • Apr 22, 2022 at 12:32 pm
I think this was an amazing idea. We need a lot more people who would be willing to help out like they are.
Kynzie Damery • Apr 22, 2022 at 12:31 pm
I think that what these girls have started is amazing. It goes to show that you can do things to help people no matter what, even when you are thousands of miles away.
Leilani • Apr 22, 2022 at 11:23 am
First off, I think it is amazing what you guys are doing. Second, I think it is interesting how we can see ourselves in people even when they are across the ocean; like how Lexi related to Oksana wanting to make sure her younger relatives are safe.
Claire • Apr 22, 2022 at 11:20 am
This is so amazing in so many ways that you guys are doing this for that family. It’s very creative, fun and it’s going towards a good cause!
Madison Hendricks • Apr 22, 2022 at 11:18 am
This is a very unique idea and it is good to know that kindness and thoughtfulness still exists in our world today. I’m sure this means more to those struggling in Ukraine than we will ever know.
Anabelle Nailer • Apr 22, 2022 at 11:17 am
I think this was really good idea! It’s really sweet of all of you to help people in need. I think more students in this area should do more things like this.
Katelyn • Apr 22, 2022 at 10:35 am
Glad we are helping in Ukraine! Just shows how the little things can help everyone.
Tucker • Apr 22, 2022 at 10:29 am
I think it is cool how we are helping Ukraine out.
Dylan • Apr 22, 2022 at 10:26 am
Nice
Cooper • Apr 22, 2022 at 10:23 am
I think that it’s really cool that we are helping Ukraine. We are meridian!!!!!!
caleb • Apr 22, 2022 at 10:22 am
nice
Jadyn Dunn • Apr 22, 2022 at 9:49 am
I believe that baking for Ukraine is a great idea. Making food for the citizens in Ukraine is a great way to show our respect to them.
Asia Rosenberger • Apr 22, 2022 at 9:44 am
This is an amazing idea and opportunity for supporting Ukraine. I honestly love how four friends came together on this idea to support Ukraine as much as they could. I liked how Lexi Jones put us in Ukraine’s position and noted that we would like help just as much Ukraine needs help right now.
Laura Love • Apr 22, 2022 at 9:38 am
It’s very moving how teenagers are helping people across the world.