San Benito County Sheriff’s Office to donate armor to Ukraine
HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION-TV) The San Benito County Sheriff's Office might not be a large agency, but they’re helping out in a big way by joining forces with CalOES to send needed helmets and vests to Ukraine.
"Even though we are small we want to help out any way possible as fast as possible because they’re in need. We figured as a department as an office let’s do what we can,” said Sergeant Breyon Canez, San Benito County Sheriff's Office.
This all came about after a request was made from the government of Ukraine via CalOES, asking for immediate donations of supplies.
"There were a variety of things that they requested ranging from like plate carriers to soft body armor to goggles, gloves and helmets,” continued Sergeant Canez.
The San Benito County Sheriff's Office was able to round up 27 ballistic helmets and 15 ballistic vests. Though the items might be used and a little outdated, they'll still serve an important purpose.
"There’s a chance that it may save someone, and something is better than nothing,” added Sergeant Canez.
Other agencies across California are doing the same, donating what they can. In Santa Barbra, ShelterBox USA is lending a hand to Ukrainian refugees by providing critical household supplies like warm clothes, blankets and diapers.
“This is the fastest-growing refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. And it’s getting worse every day,” Kerri Murray, ShelterBox USA President.
Pick-up time for the helmets and vests is pending. The San Benito Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with CalOES and the National Guard to get these items to Eastern Europe as soon as possible.
If you too would like to help, you can visit the San Benito County Sheriff's Office’s Facebook page, where they have a list of trusted organizations provided by CalOES.
