First Presbyterian Church honors Ukraine throughout October

As the war in Ukraine continues after more than a year and a half of conflict, First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights is honoring and supporting the people of the country through a series of events in October.

First is a much-anticipated concert featuring local music prodigy and piano soloist Myroslav Mykhailenko. Occurring Sunday Oct. 8 at 4 p.m. in First Presbyterian's sanctuary, the concert will feature classical Ukrainian music as well as Mozart's Piano Sonata No. 18 in D major and Brahms' Rhapsody Op. 79.

On Sunday October 15 at 4 p.m. Novi co-founder and CEO Steve Gumaer and development associate Jon Peerbolt will speak to the ongoing struggle of the children of Ukraine and how citizens of the Northwest suburbs can help them. Novi is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring childhoods disrupted by war and is currently focused on assisting the 4.5 million children who remain in Ukraine and are deprived of basic needs including safety, education and nutrition, and are exposed to violence, displacement and emotional trauma.

Beginning October 15 and through the end of the month, First Presbyterian will take monetary donations to support the Novi Life Kit backpacks. The Life Kits are game-oriented, non-digital backpacks containing essential school supplies toys that are to designed to relieve stress and build skills through positive activities. Donations will be accepted during the Novi event on October 15 as well as directly to the church office throughout the month.

First Presbyterian Church of Arlington Heights is located at 302 N. Dunton Avenue. Both events are free and open to the public. For more information on how you can help support Ukraine through First Presbyterian Church, visit FirstPresAH.org.