A number of Maltese parishes will be collecting basic and essential items for Ukrainian people on Saturday April 23.

The initiative, which is being coordinated by the Archdiocese of Malta through the LOOP Cooperative will collect items specifically requested by the Church in Ukraine.

The items may be left in the parish churches of Mqabba, Naxxar, Pembroke, Qawra and Marsascala between 1pm and 7pm.

The products collected will be shipped to Ukraine and distributed by Caritas Ukraine, which in the current dire situation, is helping children, women and the elderly escape the war.

Items required include baby food, fruit, canned vegetables and meat, long-life milk, juices, cereal bars, fast food such as noodles, diapers for children and adults, disinfectants, personal hygiene products for men and women, toothpaste and mouthwash, sleeping bags, blankets, large vacuum flasks, rechargeable lamps and power banks for mobile phones.

The full list of items required can be found on the diakonia.org website. Other items which are not included in the list will not be accepted.

LOOP is a social cooperative of the Maltese parishes which is formed by various entities of the Church in Malta working closely with those in need.