Volunteers are appealing for warm clothing and blankets to send to Ukraine as the cold winter sets in. Somerset Aid For Ukraine has been collecting donations to send to the city of Kharkiv.

Many of the group's volunteers are refugees themselves and are worried for family members still living in Ukraine.

The group hopes to send another truck out to Ukraine at the end of January, and they need your help filling it with items for humaritian aid and transportation.

They are appealing for donations including:

• Food ( especially food that you can eat from a tin, biscuits, protein bars and nuts)
• Medicines- paracetamol, flu remedies, calpol and bandages
• Medical equipment
• Warm sleeping bags ( temperature can drop to -10)
• Roll mats
• Blankets
• Clean warm clothes - fleeces and coats - joggers - all sizes needed
• Nappies, sanitary, incontinence products both male and female, baby wipes
• Toiletries
• Diesel generators
• Thermal socks, gloves, beanies, undergarments and balaclavas
• Torches and torch batteries
• Candles
• Drinks (3-in-1 are ideal) or drinking chocolate
• Longlife milk, condensed milk, or milk powder
• Sugar
• Pet food
• Packing boxes

The group say the list is no way extensive so please if in doubt - put it in. They are also calling on companies to organise company-wide collections over the festive period.

A spokesperson for Somerset Aid for Ukraine said: "The people of Somerset have shown their kindness, generosity and determination at this challenging time, and it is our sincere wish to keep moving forward, responding to the needs of those fleeing the Ukrainian conflict, to make sure we support people in the best way possible.

"The links, skills, knowledge, desire to help and sheer determination of the people of Somerset are just too great to let go. The people of Ukraine need you. We need you.

"Thank you for your continued support of the needs of real, innocent men, women and children during this humanitarian crisis. Together we are stronger and your strength is needed now more than ever."

To get involved, email [email protected] .