'Save Ukraine' T-shirts sold at Sprankle's to raise funds for war-torn nation

Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market launched a T-shirt fundraiser Tuesday to help the people of Ukraine as they suffer under a Russian military invasion.

The Sprankle’s chain, with locations in Leechburg, Saxonburg and Kittanning, hope to raise $5,000 for the Red Cross by selling the shirts.

Co-owner Ryan Sprankle said an employee at their Saxonburg location suggested a T-shirt sale as a way to earn funds for Ukrainian relief.

Co-owners Doug, Ryan and Randy Sprankle sprang into action.

“It’s really about us just trying to make a difference. It’s a really rough situation in Ukraine,” Randy Sprankle said.

Since Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, more than 3.6 million people have fled Ukraine as refugees and another 6.5 million have left their homes for other parts of the country. Millions are sheltering as cities are bombarded and destroyed. The United Nations estimates that more than 1,000 civilians have been killed.

The blue and yellow T-shirts feature a large image of Ukraine with the hashtag message #SAVEUKRAINE on the back and the Sprankle’s logo on the front. The sleeves feature a side-by-side American and Ukraine flag image.

The shirts are sold in sizes XXS-XXL and cost $15 (short-sleeve) and $20 (long-sleeve).

Ryan Sprankle, who manages the Kittanning location, said this fundraiser isn’t about politics.

“This is about humans helping humans. A human feeling for and trying to help as many humans in Ukraine,” he said.

Sprankle’s has 500 shirts on hand. The $5,000 goal will be reached when half are sold.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Sprankle’s Neighborhood Market co-owner Randy Sprankle stocks T-shirts in support of Ukraine Friday inside the Leechburg store. All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross.

People can buy the shirts directly from a table set up at the store or pay for them along with other items at checkout.

Leechburg resident Violet Stivason, 87, sported her Ukrainian T-shirt Friday while volunteering to sell shirts at a table near the checkout at the Leechburg store.

Stivason said people are reacting in a positive way to the fundraiser.

“They say, ‘I gotta get one of these,’ ” Stivason said.

Gilpin resident and Sprankle’s customer Ron Ravotti, 87, praised the supermarket’s effort.

“I think it’s a great thing that somebody local has stepped up to help Ukrainians under such a sad situation,” Ravotti said.

The Sprankle’s locations are 117 Third St. in Leechburg, 151 North McKean St. in Kittanning and 270 West Water St. in Saxonburg.