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PrideStar Trinity EMS donates ambulances to Ukraine
LOWELL — PrideStar Trinity EMS has donated two ambulances to US Ambulances for Ukraine, an Illinois-based organization dedicated to sending used American ambulances and fire engines to Ukraine. These vehicles are being sent to replace emergency units that have been destroyed during the ongoing Russian invasion.
Toward the end of November, the ambulances will be trucked to US Ambulances for Ukraine’s storage facility in New Jersey. Once there, they will be stocked with additional medical supplies before being shipped directly to Ukraine and turned over to Ukrainian first responders.
“As EMS professionals, we understand the critical role these vehicles play in saving lives every day,” said PrideStar Trinity EMS President and CEO David Daly. “When we learned about this initiative, we knew we had to step up and help. Our hope is that these ambulances will provide vital support to the brave emergency responders in Ukraine who continue to serve their communities under unimaginable conditions.”
This donation will be part of a larger shipment of fire engines and ambulances from the East Coast scheduled to be shipped in November and arrive in late December. To date, US Ambulances for Ukraine has delivered 78 ambulances and 11 fire engines and multiple law enforcement and fire SUVs now operating in Ukraine. These vehicles have been distributed to frontline military units, fire departments, nongovernmental organizations, hospitals, and other Ukrainian entities in urgent need of lifesaving transportation.
“It is amazing to think that we have hit over 100 vehicles in Ukraine by December, with more already lined up for the next shipment,” said Chris Manson, founder of US Ambulances for Ukraine. “It is because of donors like PrideStar Trinity EMS that we can continue this mission. Their generous contribution of two ambulances will be immediately put to use saving lives in Ukraine.”
This will be the 20th shipment of used emergency vehicles sent to Ukraine from the United States since the effort began in March 2022.
Alternative House opens Fresh Start Free Store
LOWELL — Alternative House recently opened its Fresh Start Free Store, a welcoming and supportive space designed for survivors of domestic violence. The store provides access to essential clothing, personal care items, and food at no cost and is dedicated to empowering individuals as they work toward stability and independence.
“The Fresh Start Free Store is about more than meeting basic needs,” said Maria Crooker Capone, executive director of Alternative House. “It’s about restoring a sense of control, choice, and community for those who have endured so much. Every detail, from the layout to the way we greet each shopper, was designed with care and compassion.”
The Fresh Start Free Store operates on a referral-only basis to ensure that every shopper receives personalized support and is connected to ongoing services. Individuals must be referred by a case worker from a partner agency or program, ensuring holistic assistance tailored to their needs and goals.
The store is open Tuesday through Friday, with shopping by appointment only. Each shopper is paired with a volunteer trained in trauma-informed and survivor-centered approaches who guides them through the store.
Partner agencies and advocates can submit referrals to the Fresh Start Free Store at alternative-house.org/fresh-start-free-store.
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