Ukrainian Americans living in Yonkers are urging U.S. lawmakers to approve a package that would send $61 billion in aid to Ukraine as the war Russia nears its two-year anniversary.

News 12's Nadia Galindo spoke with members of the Westchester chapter of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, who have been raising funds to send overseas ever since the war broke out.

"The support from here never waivers it never changes, because Russia's goal is to genocide," said Jaroslaw Kicuik, former president of the committee. "It's to annihilate the existence of Ukraine and Ukrainians."

Kiciuk said the funds they've raised has made a big impact in helping give soldiers supplies, and has helped Ukrainians impacted by the war.

"Without our support there would be many more deaths and they would have a much harder time trying to defend their country," he said.

Most recently, the organization has supplied dog food for strays in the country.

They've purchased vehicles for soldiers on the front lines and sent funds to purchase Christmas gifts for children orphaned by the war.

They organization also renovated the basement of an orphanage to become a bomb shelter.

"Which is frightening to think that an orphanage needs a bomb shelter, but we made it so that the children feel more comfortable," said Jaroslaw Palylyk.

The organization has collected donations from local business owners and residents.

If you would like to make a donation to the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America click here.