The quickest and most efficient way to help people in Ukraine right now is to make a monetary donation to groups working there. If you have the means to do this, here is just a small sampling of organizations that would welcome your gift. Later, if Ukrainian families are resettled to the Pacific Northwest, there will be a chance to welcome them with open arms and more help. Here are some thoughts on that.
UNICEF has been working in Ukraine for years and has ramped up its efforts to provide humanitarian supplies, and to reach vulnerable children and families with essential services, including health, education, protection, water and sanitation.
The Ukrainian Association of Washington State is working to provide medical supplies and body armor, along with helping families who have left their homes. Its website says, “In the peaceful times, we promote Ukraine in our state through culture and education. … Today our homeland is under attack!”
Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund can help provide children and families with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance. Together, we can protect children in crisis.
Northwest-based Medical Teams International is coordinating with partners to send medical supplies to Ukrainians in need. It also has sent a team to assess the humanitarian needs in the region. It will be followed by a second team to provide direct assistance.
The International Committee of the Red Cross is trying to meet humanitarian needs in Ukraine, including helping more than 3 million people access clean water and improve the living conditions of more than 66,000 whose homes have been damaged by fighting.
Photo: UNICEF
Here’s another, longer list of targeted aid efforts accepting donations for Ukraine.
Read also: Doctor’s tips for talking to kids about the Ukraine war and other tough subjects
