As a result of recent flooding in the Balkans, residents of Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have lost their homes and possessions. Months’ worth of rain came down in just hours, flooding just about everything in the area.

“Literally everything is underwater: houses, stores, schools, roads, everything,” Ariana Bulett (11) said.

Bulett, through St. Simeon Mirotocivi Serbian Orthodox Church, is participating in a national effort to gather supplies for those affected by the floods.

“We’re donating things–anything, because I mean when you have nothing, you need everything. So we’re trying to get things together Friday by 2 p.m. until whenever, and we’re going to send them to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and they’re going to distribute [the items],” Bulett said.

Mr. Tom Clark, Social Studies, and the Interact Club are also helping in the cause. Any donations can be brought to Bulett directly or to Mr. Clark in room C313. Although St. Simeon will be sending the donations Friday May 23, donations will be accepted beyond that date.

“[We’re accepting] gently used clothes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, cranking flashlights because there’s no electricity. …They don’t need money, they need supplies,” Bulett said.

To Bulett, helping the cause is more than just about helping those in need–it also hits home.

“It’s my family there. I’ve seen pictures of my family’s houses and what’s happened to them, and those are my people, my culture, and my home, if you will….it’s a different feeling, especially when you know that you can make a difference here to do something there,” Bulett said.

When a home is lost, it seems that all is lost. For the people of the Balkans, this is no illusion.

“If you want to make a difference, this is the time,” Bulett said.