Beata Cudak left her native Poland about five years ago, and began working at Leiby’s Ice Cream House and Restaurant in South Tamaqua.

Half a world away - in her hometown of Zakopane - her family and others are taking in Ukrainian refugees.

“Everybody is trying to help as much as they can,” she said,

So, too, is her employer. At the beginning of March, the restaurant, its customers and staff began pooling money to help the Ukrainian refugee families and children who are sheltering in Poland.

“We found a way to get in contact with people who were caring for these people. We were able to see what they need,” owner Daniel Leiby explained.

He asked for a wish list, and used the Polish website Allegro to purchase the items.

“It’s similar to Amazon,” he said.

Within two days, he had the order delivered.

“We were able to purchase pasta, canned goods and cooking equipment, just a slew of things,” he said. “I had it drop-shipped right there to them.”

The refugees were being housed at a community hall.

“They had all these kids. They didn’t even have a kitchen in it,” Leiby said. “So we were sending soup pots over there and gas burners to cook on.”

The first donation totaled about $1,100.

The help didn’t end there. The restaurant learned of other places in need, and is compiling orders for them.

Among the locations is Cudak’s hometown, which lies in Poland’s extreme south.

“Now they’ve gotten a lot of the children somewhat more spread out into homes, or into smaller groups,” Leiby said. “We’re still receiving information on that kind of stuff.”

Cudak is overwhelmed by the support.

“This is very emotional,” Cudak said. “I cannot even find the words.”

Leiby said he’s also awed by the generosity.

“A big thank you to everybody who has helped out so far. We really weren’t expecting it to go so big. Everyone has been so receptive of it and helpful,” he said.

Soon after the first shipment was delivered, the restaurant received a thank you.

“The email that we got in response was just awesome. They were so appreciative of somebody reaching out like that,” he said.

Leiby said the restaurant will continue accepting donations as long as there is a need.

Donations may be made through the restaurant’s Facebook page.