To the Editor,

Yesterday, I had my faith in human nature restored.

A neighbor and I collected essentials for Ukrainian refugees (everything from boxes of toiletries donated by nuns to stuffed animals, towels, and clothing contributed by neighbors and relatives) and headed to Cardi's drop-off site  in West Warwick.  We wondered out loud if there would be a line.

 The parade of contributors stretched for nearly 3 miles from the entrance.

 Arriving at 9:30 AM, we waited for almost three hours with other  determined Rhode Islanders in a driving rain as the line only grew longer, snaking far behind us.

We were listening to the radio when Pete Cardi proclaimed that the distribution center was overwhelmed by the support and that the warehouse could no longer handle the generous outpouring of good intentions.

We slipped out of line and attempted to inform others flagging them down in the rain  We were still more than a 1/2 mile away from the entrance when we heard this  news.  Seeking confirmation of the report from a smiling, soggy worker as we passed the entrance, she kindly informed us that if we made a U-turn and traveled back in the opposite direction, we could drop off our supplies at Arpin Van Lines Depot.  We followed her advice and were able to complete our task thanks to dedicated  volunteers  undaunted by the elements.

To all those who were in that line, to all those who donated, I would like to say thank you ... thank you for restoring my faith in human nature. It is easy to become jaded and hardened as we witness the perpetual drumbeat of divisiveness and inhumanity showered upon us by the media.  That line of cars and the people we encountered emphatically contradicted that message.  What occurred was a primary source  testament that (though we may not be able to assist at the Polish border or make a cocktail in Kiev) the unabashed

goodness that is burnished into our DNA cannot be denied.  God bless Rhode Island...God bless America ... God bless the inherent goodness buried deep within each of us.

Stefano Andolfo

Warwick