OHIO — Several local and international charities are soliciting help for the people of Ukraine as the nation is being invaded by Russian forces.
Local Organizations
Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe
The Diocese of Cleveland said it will support the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe during the Lenten season. The group says contributions will provide emergency assistance for food and water, hygiene supplies, support and other necessary humanitarian services.
“The USCCB is uniquely positioned to provide aid to the region, having built strong relationships with our brother bishops there these last 30 years, and having given to much assistance in the development of the Church’s capacity to respond to pastoral and social needs,” Bishop Jeffrey Monforton of Steubenville said. “A robust response at this moment will allow the Church in the United States to continue to be a strong partner in the rebuilding and restoring of the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, and to give critical and timely humanitarian aid now for Ukraine.”
Matthew 25
Blue Ash-based Matthew 25 is collecting items for a shipment to Ukraine, in addition to accepting donations. The group says that 100% of monetary donations will go toward providing assistance. The group is collecting donations online.
The group is collecting the following items at 11083 Kenwood Road in Cincinnati:
- Personal care products: Antibacterial soap, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, deodorant, lotion, feminine hygiene items, etc.
- Paper products: Toilet paper, paper towels, etc.
- First-aid items: Bandages, gauze, pads, first aid tape, antiseptic creams, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, latex gloves, instant cold packs, etc.
- Clothing: New and gently used clothing
Cleveland Maidan Association
The Cleveland Maidan Association has been assisting members of the Ukrainian diaspora since 2014, when Russia invaded the Crimea region. The group provides financial and material support to families caught in conflict in Ukraine.
The group is collecting funds online.
International Organizations
UNICEF
UNICEF said it supports health, nutrition, HIV prevention, education, safe drinking water, sanitation and protection for children and families caught in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. Donations can be made online.
World Central Kitchen
World Central Kitchen has been providing meals to Ukrainians. The group tweeted video on Thursday of a partner chef providing meals for women and children caught in an underground shelter in a city reportedly now under Russian control.
In addition to providing meals within Ukraine, World Central Kitchen has also provided meals to refugees coming from Ukraine into Poland.
CARE’s Ukraine Crisis Fund
CARE said it is providing emergency food, water and other types, particularly to women and children who are fleeing Ukraine.
“The population in eastern Ukraine has been suffering from the conflict for almost eight years now,” says Sofía Sprechmann Sineiro, CARE International Secretary General. “Every day is a fight for survival. Besides fear of attacks and violence, millions of people have no access to essential resources and services. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbates the situation.”
The organization is collecting donations online.
BBB recommendations
The Better Business Bureau says to be careful who you donate to as some may exploit the crisis for profit.
“Be careful of what’s being asked of you,” said BBB spokesman Bryan Oglesby, “Be careful of posts that you see on social media asking you to click now and buy. Just because you see a fancy logo or some kind of emotional peel, I guarantee that 100% of the donations will go to the cause, these are all things you have to verify.”
The following is a list of national charitable organizations accredited by the BBB:
Alight | Ukraine Relief Activities
American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee | Ukraine Relief Activities
Americares Foundation | Ukraine Relief Activities
CARE USA | Ukraine Relief Activities
Catholic Relief Services | Ukraine Relief Activities
Direct Relief | Ukraine Relief Activities
Episcopal Relief & Development | Ukraine Relief Activities
Heart to Heart International | Ukraine Relief Activities
GlobalGiving | Ukraine Relief Activities
International Medical Corps | Ukraine Relief Activities
International Rescue Committee | Ukraine Relief Activities
MAP International | Ukraine Relief Activities
Matthew 25: Ministries | Ukraine Relief Activities
Mennonite Central Committee | Ukraine Relief Activities
Mercy Corps | Ukraine Relief Activities
Operation USA | Ukraine Relief Activities
Salvation Army | Ukraine Relief Activities
Save the Children | Ukraine Relief Activities
United Methodist Committee on Relief | Ukraine Relief Activities
