ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Support for Ukrainian refugees continues to grow in the Bay Area, with donations pouring into a local church. 

Epiphany of Our Lord Ukrainian Catholic Church in St. Petersburg is gathering essentials like first-aid kits and hygiene products to deliver to millions fleeing the war. 

Iryna Karaban is a parishioner who was born and raised in Ukraine. She left 12 years ago and was stunned to learn about the invasion of her native country. 

Karaban helped her church launch a donation drive and said she's thankful for the support so far. 

“People coming with donations with hugs and tears," Karaban said. "This is why we are having this, and we know there is a lot of people who need that.”

The church is asking donors to pack essentials into two-gallon resealable plastic bags. 

Its rectory has become a sorting room for the donations, which then will be sent to another church in Poland to distribute to refugees.

Some parishioners said they wish they could do more but hope the support will uplift those who need it the most. 

“Every night we're seeing images of the Ukrainian people suffering, and it's really the least that we can do is find in our hearts a way to give back.”

Donation drop-offs will continue until the end of March. 

Drop-off days are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

The church plans to update the needs of Ukrainian refugees via its website and social media pages.