KDKA: Mt. Lebanon middle-schoolers helping Ukrainian children

Middle-schoolers in the Pittsburgh area are doing their part to help children in need due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine by collecting money at the Mount Lebanon Farmers Market. They made keychains, bracelets and painted flower pots to offer to anyone who donated.

KDKA’s Kristine Sorensen and her son Vincent also started a club at one of the Mount Lebanon middle schools, hoping to help the people of Ukraine: “I just saw it on the news and thought it was crazy so I just wanted to help,” Vincent said.

“I felt bad for the children separated from their families,” said sixth-grader Annamaria Aristegui.

“It’s a bad time in Ukraine because it’s war,” said sixth-grader Viktor Rozsokha, who immigrated from Ukraine with his family four years ago.

For their efforts, their group joined forces with the other middle school and so far has raised more than $3,000 for Save The Children – Ukraine.

“I really wanted to help them out so they can actually survive because I’m lucky to live here and most likely not be part of a war,” said Annamaria.

Recently, Kristine was rewarded for her efforts by KDKA’s parent company, Paramount, which is donating $10,000 to charities of her choice. Half of that will go to the children of Ukraine and the other half going to the “My Voice” program with Variety-The Children’s Charity.

“What’s most exciting is to be able to show these kids that their efforts can just keep growing. One thing leads to another. That award wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for all their work,” Kristine said.

Check out the KDKA video here.