It’s been more than one year since the crisis in Ukraine began, and there is no foreseeable end in sight. Yet, it no longer dominates headlines, which is unfortunate since the conflict still rages.
The numbers are astounding. Over 10 million people have fled Ukraine, creating an additional and different kind of international crisis: housing and feeding refugees. They are now all over western Europe, Canada and the United States. Even Alaska has its own initiative to help transport and support Ukrainian refugees.
There are many humanitarian organizations who continue to aid residents of Ukraine and refugees, and most of them accept donations for a multitude of challenges.
I did an extensive search for local efforts to help both refugees and citizens who remain in Ukraine, and was surprised I could not find anything specific (at least on the internet) of Delaware efforts where I could refer our readership. That doesn’t mean grassroots efforts are not taking place.
For example, the Lewes Senior Center participated recently in a goods drive for a Ukranian native Katya Merezhinsky, who will ship the donations to family and friends still in Ukraine. The Wilmington Rotary has partnered with over 100 Rotaries in Ukraine to raise money and awareness. Turns out there is a large Ukranian population in Wilmington, and two Ukranian churches that continue their support drives.
Here in Sussex County, I suspect that many churches and other cultural organizations are still collecting and sending goods and donations. They generally don’t have a web presence for their fundraising, so if you would like to send your support through a local relief effort, my suggestion would be to check with your local ministry and see if they are aware of other congregations or organizations accepting donations.
An interesting story that was brought to Delaware Retiree’s attention comes from one of our readers, who by way of friends learned of a unique pair of young men from New Jersey who have taken bold and quite heroic personal efforts to help with Ukranian relief efforts.
Thanks to readers Peter and Claire Ringel, we are pleased to share the story of best friends Dillon Carroll and Mark Kreynovich, both 24. They met and were roommates at Cornell. Mark was born in Kharkiv, Ukraine where his grandparents and many close friends still live. Mark has spent every summer of his childhood with his grandparents, and in 2018 brought Dillon to get to know Ukraine firsthand. It left a lasting impression on Dillon.
When the bombing and crisis began in February 2022, the two dropped everything including their continued education to take off for Ukraine to assist in any way they could for what they envisioned would be a three week stay to assist. They are still there.
Their crowdfunding organization, Mission to Ukraine started with $10,000, and to date has raised more than $600,000 and counting. Donations have gone to medical supplies, securing temporary housing for evacuating families, crucial services and more. This remarkable duo has garnered national attention – and therefore more assistance.
They remain committed to continue their humanitarian work as long as they are able to, and have inspired others to contribute or volunteer. If you are looking to donate to an incredible entrepreneurial cause, please consider Mission to Ukraine, and be sure to visit their website to learn more about their touching personal story.
Here are other reliable sources still concentrating on Ukranian relief.
Welcome Ukraine, a resource for Americans interested in hosting displaced Ukranian families.
Unicef Spilno Centers in Ukraine, a UNICEF sponsored network of 168 children’s activity centers, providing daycare services and emotional support for children throughout Ukraine.
Support Ukraine Now, a collaborative group of civic leaders promoting social and economic recovery initiatives.
World Food Program USA, an organization whose mission is to feed children and families in crisis.
Catholic Relief Services Ukraine, specifically supports families with transportation, shelter, food, child care and mental health care.
Doctors Without Borders Ukraine provides lifesaving medical care to those in most need and provides ongoing clinical care for Ukranians affected by the crisis.
IRC: International Committee of the Red Cross Ukraine, the division of Red Cross specifically responding to humanitarian aid in Ukraine.
International Medical Corps Ukraine provides medical care and mental health care plus food, medical supplies and safety to citizens of Ukraine and surrounding countries such as Poland, where refugees have been migrating.
CARE.org, aid organization that remains in Ukraine providing medical care, supplies, food and shelter to those still being displaced.
