CLEVELAND — Pierogies are a staple in Eastern Europe.
Oleh Holowatyj figured if they made, them they would come, and they did by the dozens
"You've got to help in ways that you can," he said, "and the way I can help is with cooking."
Holowatyi made more than 200 pierogis for a "Pierogi for Peace" event held at Polish Legion of American Veterans Post 58 in Tremont. The gathering raised funds "in support of the Ukrainian people in these trying times," with proceeds going to Razom for Ukraine.
Terry Zacharyl is the post commander. The exodus of refugees in Ukraine due to war has happened before, with his parents among those affected.
"[They left] the Ukraine," Zacharyl recalled, "and they went to Germany to get away from the Russians."
Michael Brown says his Ukrainian relatives are now refugees He's a language teacher from Elyria Catholic High School, and his students have been shocked at the stories and pictures coming out of Eastern Europe.
"They have asked general questions and are mostly shocked," he said. "'Oh, I didn't know, I didn't realize you had family there,' and for them that makes it very personal."
Those personal stories are something everyone here in this place have shared about Ukraine, and the thousands of dollars made from perogies are for their people, thousands of miles away.