Russian-Ukraine War: Info and Ways to Help I Write to Elected Officials I Voices of Children

What’s Happening in Ukraine? I How to talk to your child I Books and PBS Info for Kids

Ukrainian families are fleeing their homes, and those that cannot escape must seek refuge in subway stations. Hundreds of thousands of people are without electricity, water, or basic supplies. There could be as many as seven million refugees in desperate need of help. It is disheartening to see people suffering and feel powerless offer assistance, especially when so many of them are children.

How do we do anything that seems gigantic and overwhelming and impossible?

• One piece, one step, one breath at a time.

• A crisis like this is a marathon, not a sprint. Help how you can, when you can. Whether it’s time or funds, you will be able to offer aid less often and consistently if you overextend yourself.

• Ask for help. Many hands make light work, and if you encourage everyone around you to give a little, and they reach out in turn, the ripples from your initial kindness will expand exponentially.

Here is some guidance for how to help out:

1. UNICEF - Protect Children in Ukraine: UNICEF has been working nonstop in eastern Ukraine, delivering lifesaving programs for affected children and families as fighting has taken an increasingly heavy toll on the civilian population of 3.4 million people — including 510,000 children — living in the Donbas region

2. World Food Program USA: $75 can provide a family with an emergency box containing enough food for an entire month.

3. NOVAUKRAINE is a local Northern Virginia group that you can volunteer your time with.

4. AirBNBs in Ukraine: A lot of people cannot get out of Kyiv. As a result, a lot of Ukrainians who run AirBnBs in the country are offering their houses to families who can’t stay at home. You could purchase a week in an airBnB to support a family directly, especially families that are offering their homes.

5. NPR gathered a ton of vetted charities where you can donate. Check them all out HERE.

6. Another small way to help that might also be meaningful to kids and to help them feel connected is to buy digital patterns (sewing/knitting/crochet/etc) or art from Ukrainian creators on Etsy. It’s a small but measurable way to help. One woman is using her Etsy store to sell digital art made by her children JuliaHappyArts's shop on Etsy https://etsy.me/3sy2OsF. (Thanks for the brilliant suggestion!)

7. Educate yourself and your child about what’s happening. We have provided some helpful links above.

8. MOST IMPORTANTLY: Encourage your children’s desire to help and comfort, not any desires for violence or vengeance. If the kid says “I wish I could fight the bad guys,” help them to write a letter to a Ukrainian child instead. Focus on the people who need help. Encourage helpful behaviors and compassionate feelings.

If you have any questions or anything to add to our list, please email us or message in the comments below. We will update this! Let’s extend Common Ground’s reach. Love your neighbors, wish them well, work toward a better world.

Love Love Love,

Your CG Family