At least one million children have fled Ukraine since the war against Russia began, a grim reality that pulled at the heartstrings of two 11-year-old Wenham residents who set out to help Ukrainian kids like them.
"Some of them are crossing the border all by themselves and it's just so sad to think about," said Rhys Bevan, a student at the Bessie Buker School.
Bevan teamed up with his friend and neighbor Colin Urch and decided to raise money for Voices For Children, a Ukraine-based group that provides psychological support to kids harmed by war.
The two ambitious boys first set out to raise $500 through a bake sale, but later decided instead to sell miniature Ukrainian flags for $5 each.
Bevan and Urch, with the help of friends and siblings, ordered flags online and made up signs and posters to sell them in a neighbor's front yard. They made $1,000 the first day.
"I never really thought we'd get this much support. It just really shows how big of a heart everyone has," Urch said.
Bevan said, "This has been amazing. It just makes me feel really happy that we can actually do something to help with this awful thing that's happening."
So far, they've made upwards of $3,000. The boys now have a goal of raising $5,000.
Watch: Wenham kids help raise money for Ukraine
