STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Over the past year and a half, Sabrina Shapsis has dedicated her life to making a profound impact and a positive difference on the lives of people who are suffering devastating tragedies in Ukraine.
So she began by organizing a school supplies drive which ultimately donated nearly 200 pounds of medicine, food, blankets and other items to be sent to Ukraine with the help of an organization called Meest.
“In my sophomore year in high school when the war was just started, I organized a supply drive and we collected over 177 pounds of supplies through an organization called Meest,” said the senior at Staten Island Academy. “We sent blankets, over the counter medications, food and toys and gently used clothing and other items to Ukraine. And as a community we donated much needed supplies.”
What’s more, Sabrina and her family have been hosting a young Ukrainian refugee by the name of Ivanna (Iva) Mekhova, 23, a daughter of a former classmate of Sabrina’s mom’s for the past year in her Todt Hill home she shares with her mom, Tatiana Khrom, dad, Alexander Shapsis, her younger brother, Julian and older sister Alisa.