A DERELICT toy store has become a hive of activity to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing their country.

The former Toys 'R' Us site has been given a new lease of life as part of the Ukrainian war effort. 

Southampton City Council previously announced that the vacant complex off Western Esplanade would be made available to the Polish Social Club. 

As the war between Russia and Ukraine rages, the club has been collecting food, clothes, medical supplies, blankets and more for people escaping the conflict. 

Volunteer Paulina Kozlowska told the Echo: "It makes a massive difference. It means we can now collect our donations, sort them and ship them off from the same place, which means instead of wasting time and volunteer time on moving things from one location to another, we can now just get everything in one space now and send the goods out quicker.

While packing away the goods, she added: "This crisis is awful and it has impacted so many lives. The efforts from the local community have really restored our faith in humanity. People have been so generous and sometimes they don't even have a lot themselves, but they still come in and share. It’s very heartwarming."

Polish Social Club chairperson Wioletta Nowakowska said: "We are very happy with this location as it's a very big place. At the previous locations, the lorry couldn't come. All the donations can now be collected at one place, and we can load them onto the lorry at the same place. A big thank you so much to everyone who has helped and donated so far."  

The extra storage space and support have left the Polish club feeling 'overwhelmed.' However, they are in desperate need of volunteers. 

Another volunteer at the club, Kasia Davenport, said: "We were absolutely overwhelmed with every donation and the support we received from our volunteers. People from all over the UK are willing to help in one way or another. But we still need volunteers to help sort out the goods we are receiving."

Donations can be dropped off at the former Toys 'R' Us site only.

For money donation, visit: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/polishsocialclub-southampton?utm_term=jnnWWXBrd