‘A lot of devastation still’: St. Johns County artists donating all proceeds to Ukrainian families
An American-Ukrainian woman is using her paintbrush and canvas to help those fighting overseas.
LATEST ON UKRAINE: Russian soldier on trial asks victim’s widow to forgive him
We first introduced you to Anna Miller back in March. Since our story aired, Miller said she’s helped dozens of families in Ukraine and is now being recognized for her efforts. “There’s a lot of devastation still,” Miller told Action News Jax.
The St. Johns County mother made a career out of her talent and favorite hobby, painting. However, for now, the profit portion of her work is on hold. She has been donating 100% of her proceeds to those overseas in Ukraine.
“People are still dying. Homes are still getting destroyed,” Miller said. “Families [are] getting separated. It’s so horrific for me. I can’t tolerate this war. It’s like every day of this war is painful.
Miller is now organizing a joint effort with other St. Augustine artists. Each artist is donating their proceeds to a Ukraine non-profit of their choice.
”I inspired other people to do the same,” Miller said. “So, right now, we have several artists who are participating in our event.”
Miller was recently awarded the “Volunteer with Ukraine at Heart” medal. It traveled to her from the capital city of Kyiv to honor her volunteering efforts.
“It’s joyful, but at the same time painful still,” Miller said. “You know, because it’s a war. For me, it’s a medal. There’s a lot of lives lost.”To help those suffering overseas, you can buy art online or make a donation here.
“We have several families that we help,” Miller said. “There’s a single mom with a child. There are people who lost both kids in a war, already elderly. They have no one to help them. People who lost their jobs.”
RELATED: Sweden ends neutrality, joins Finland in seeking NATO berth
STAY UPDATED: Download the Action News Jax app for live updates on breaking stories
