INDIANAPOLIS — Most Americans do not know what it's like for those escaping the war in Ukraine.
We've seen videos of the bombing aftermath, people seeking shelter and some videos of people fleeing the country.
Hoosiers are offering a helping hand and sharing stories of things they're seeing overseas.
"It's real," Brian Rund said. "I think if there is one word that sums it up, you see it in person and it's real."
Rund, a native of Indianapolis, is volunteering in Poland.
He is describing what he sees in Poland as Ukrainians escape the invasion of Russia.
"They just put cots in the aisles, the store is still operating but they just put cots in the aisle," Rund said.
Since Saturday, Rund has been in Kraków, Poland helping cook and serve meals for roughly 10,000 refugees per day.
"It's really interesting," Rund said. "It's sad in a lot of ways. You see these people and because these Ukrainian men 18-60 are not allowed to leave its women. Very often women with small children, and older people over 60."
All many Ukrainians have with them is what they can carry. Rund said many of them come in on a train.
"You can just imagine what it's like to not only have to flea your home but to do it with a baby. That's awful," Rund said.
Despite the tragedy, Rund said there is a sense of unity. A light on the people of Poland coming together to help their neighbors.
"Outside the door of the train station there were probably 30 or 40 strollers, a dozen or so portable cribs that fold up, and most of them were filled to the top with all kinds of baby supplies," Rund said.
Rund said the need is still great and the situation isn't getting better and added those countries housing refugees need help too.
"Imagine having to suddenly support that many people that have nothing," Rund said.
-
Taste the best of Indy at Indianapolis Monthly's 2025 Best Restaurants Event
The annual celebration brings together the best eateries and chefs from across central Indiana Sept. 22 at the Stutz building. WRTV's Kaitlyn Kendall got to experience one chef's creations in-person.Fountain Square homeless encampment to close by Thursday, OPHS says
The Office of Public Health and Safety confirms the Leonard Street encampment in Fountain Square will be fully closed by September 18.Braun says redistricting special session is 'moving,' could happen in November
Gov. Braun said Tuesday that a special session on the state's redistricting could occur anytime from early November through the beginning of the 2026 legislative session.Fever to host first home playoff game since 2016 against Dream on Tuesday
For the first time since 2016, the Indiana Fever will host a home playoff game Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Game 2 against the Atlanta Dream.