Sparta VFW to host fundraising dinner to support Ukraine soldiers, refugees

Kyle Morel, New Jersey Herald
Updated ·2 min read

Sparta's VFW Post 7248 will host a fundraising dinner this weekend to assist residents and soldiers impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine, including refugees who have settled in the local area to escape the conflict.

The dinner will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday at the VFW post, located at 66 Main Street in Sparta. Attendees can sample traditional food from the region such as borscht soup and pierogi (filled dumplings) along with homemade Ukrainian desserts.

How to purchase tickets

Tickets for the event are $30 each and can be purchased in advance on the VFW's online donation page. The public can also buy tickets at the door Saturday on a first-come, first-served basis.

Peter Litchfield, commander of Sparta VFW Post 7248, center, displays a Ukrainian garment presented to him by local Ukrainians.
Peter Litchfield, commander of Sparta VFW Post 7248, center, displays a Ukrainian garment presented to him by local Ukrainians.

"Our support for Ukraine continues to be strong, and funding for our efforts remains critical," said Peter Litchfield, commander of the Sparta VFW.

Donations to help refugees, war efforts

The page also includes a link to donate to the Ukraine effort outside of the fundraising dinner. All donations will go toward the cause, Litchfield said, "and will benefit not only those who remain in Ukraine, but those who have fled the horrors of war and reside right here in our community."

Those interested in supporting the cause also can donate military clothing, boots and new or gently used sleeping bags to be shipped to Ukraine, organizers said. The public can drop off the items in collection boxes at the back door of the VFW building.

VFW officials, with the support of the community, have already collected a "substantial amount" of medical kits, clothing, snacks and other supplies as part of the war effort, according to Litchfield.

More: Parents of six who adopted seven siblings from Ukraine before the war welcomed two more

"We and our Ukrainian recipients are incredibly grateful," he said, "and we’ll continue our efforts as long as the war in Ukraine rages on."

For more information ...

For more information on the Sparta VFW and its efforts to support Ukraine, visit the organization's Facebook page or email spartavfw7248@gmail.com.

Kyle Morel is a local reporter covering Morris and Sussex counties.

Email: kmorel@njherald.com; Twitter: @KMorelNJH

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Sparta NJ VFW to host Ukraine fundraising dinner April 22