Picture courtesy of Nations Online Project
Dana and I are traveling to Poland on Wednesday, April 20th, and will arrive on Thursday, April 21st. As we’ve prepared to begin this journey, we’ve been deeply touched by many inspiring stories of how people have reached out to help the millions of Ukrainian refugees. As of April 9th, the UN said over 10 million people have fled war-ravaged Ukraine. Including 4.3 million relocated to bordering countries, and over 2.5 million are now in Poland. There are hundreds of volunteer groups with thousands of volunteers from around the world and within Poland who are helping resettle Ukrainians. It’s an enormous relief effort to make sure people are safe and have the basic necessities of food and shelter.
Most of the refugees are women, children, and the elderly. They have not only left their beloved country but their husbands, fathers, and brothers. All men under the age of 60 must stay to help resist the Russian forces.
Many refugees have left, and continue to leave, Ukraine on trains, cars (if there’s gas), or on foot. Their journey may take hours or days to reach safety. They arrive at a Poland train station where there are pop-up crisis centers. There are basic necessities like food, hygiene supplies, clothing, and children’s toys. Refugees stay at these pop-up crisis centers for a few hours, but usually not more than a day. Then volunteers help them find transportation to larger cities, where they are met by another group of volunteers. These volunteers help them find host families, jobs, and schools for the children. It’s a big task, indeed.
We are grateful to have the opportunity to join this important cause. And we look forward to sharing our skills and talents with the Ukrainian relief effort.
Our hearts are full as we start the most crucial endeavor we’ve been a part of. And we are humbled and grateful for your generosity and support of us and our Ukrainian friends during their crisis. The human spirit is alive in all of us. Be positive and stay safe. #peaceforukraine
Freedom is possible!
Much love,
Cindy and Dana
Thank you to those that have already donated to this humanitarian effort. Please elevate to your network if people are looking for a way to help. #standwithukraine
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.