“Relieve the crisis. Thoughtfully. With discipline and heart. Now.”
It has been a whirlwind since we landed in Kraków two and a half weeks ago. We worked with Kraków Dębniki for Ukraine (KDU) and Ukraine Relief Initiative teams to get a community center planned and open by June 5. This will help 200 Ukrainians with resources for job search, Polish language classes, places for teens and younger children, and support for the 50 host families. It will also have a food pantry and clothing donations.
Update this week: The community center was cleaned, painted, carpet installed, and the floor prepped for vinyl installation. And thanks to a very generous donor, cabinets, and a countertop for the kitchen. We’re working on programming and funding. With the help of funds and materials, the community center will be up and running soon. The Ukrainian families and Polish host families will benefit from this community center’s services. We are all making a difference. These strong Ukrainian refugees and generous host families are overcome with joy and gratitude. Even though we don’t speak their language, with tears in their eyes, they touch their heart and point to us…the universal language of love.
Working with the KDU and Ukraine Relief Initiative teams has been nothing short of amazing. Each team member brought their ideas and skills to the table. And because of that…great things happened!
Many volunteers from KDU, Poland, the UK, and the US, have families and jobs and volunteer in their free time. They tirelessly show up and offer to help, just because that’s who they are…compassionate people! Some volunteers feel the stress of working 18 hours a day, but they persevere. Everyone wants to help!
We worked with a lovely woman from Ukraine Relief Initiative and her daughter from Pennsylvania. They packed lightly for their trip to Poland, so they could stuff their suitcases with medical supplies.
Medical supplies in the luggage of a Ukraine Relief Initiative team member.
There are volunteers all over the world doing their part. An American family had recently moved to Poland before the war started. They invited 20 Ukrainians to their home. And here’s an article of 13 volunteer stories to inspire and warm your heart.
We have made lifelong friends and it’s bittersweet to leave Poland. This experience has made an impact on our lives. After seeing the plight of our new Ukrainian and Polish friends, our problems seem so small. So as we head home, we’ve made the commitment to continue to work with Ukraine Relief Initiative (URI) in a leadership role. Thank you to all the volunteers and donors for your generosity. You all have touched us so deeply…I don’t have words to explain. The community center will open on June 5, but the work continues at a fast pace as the needs are enormous. Please continue to share the message of the much-needed help for these Ukrainian families. Thank you! Be positive and stay safe.
Freedom is possible!
Much love,
Cindy and Dana
HOW TO MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN RELIEF INITIATIVE
All contributions are fully tax-deductible through HCC, our registered 501(c)(3) passthrough charity.
TO CONTRIBUTE BY CHECK:
Make your check payable to **Hispanic Community Council** – (VERY IMPORTANT: not to Ukraine Relief Initiative) and send it to the following address:
HCC – URI
c/o John Kersey
208 Liberty Street
Warren, PA 16365
Please indicate “Ukrainian Relief Initiative” in the check memo and include a note with your contact info (address, phone, email).
TO CONTRIBUTE ELECTRONICALLY BY PAYPAL:
Use this link: https://www.paypal.com/
In the memo, please include your name, address, phone #, and email so we can process your tax receipt.