Hugh Wallace doesn’t have a connection to the people of Ukraine, but he felt a need to show his support.

The Locust Valley resident bought blue and yellow balloons and started placing them outside businesses on Birch Hill Road. Once he got to Karmic Grind coffee shop, he says he had no idea that one of the employees is originally from Ukraine.

Sacha Johnstone was overwhelmed by the heartfelt gesture, and the two have become friends.

Johnstone is organizing a relief effort for anyone who would like to donate supplies to Ukraine.