Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine during this time of immense suffering, needless destruction, and crushing loss of life. 

The tragedy unfolding in the country is haunting. In response, we see boundless courage, generosity, and kindness as people open their homes, protest in the streets, and offer their support and prayers from afar.  

The global response serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnection, and the fundamental goodness at the heart of humanity. At the same time, we are reminded that suffering in our world is not limited to Ukraine, and the root causes of ongoing conflicts run deep, often with roots in the human mind. 

For those of us witnessing events unfold in Ukraine, there is a profound frustration at being unable to intervene and offer the protection, comfort, and safety we yearn to give. But there are things we can do—beginning with supporting efforts to offer relief, medical aid, and psycho-social services to Ukrainian refugees and the resolute citizens who stand firm in their country. 

And, of course, we must attend to our own response to daily events—to cultivate peace, compassion, and community in the days and weeks ahead. In the face of growing global crises, nurturing our relationships and an ethic of service matters more than ever before. 

More than 50 years ago, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” His words serve as a potent reminder that we are in this together. World events today reinforce the illusion of our separation. 

The challenges before us require that we “lean in” in ways that are appropriate to each and every one of us. Toward that end, below see ways to contribute to those impacted by the war in Ukraine, with special thanks to the Boston Foundation for compiling—and regularly updating—this list. 

  • World Central Kitchen is serving hot meals to refugees and displaced persons at many locations bordering Ukraine.
  • DirectRelief has set up a fund to support health organizations on the ground in Ukraine providing medical support.
  • Save the Children is on the ground helping to deliver lifesaving aid to children in Ukraine who currently are at high risk of physical harm, emotional distress, and displacement.
  • UNICEF is working with communities and organizations as close as possible to conflict affected areas by delivering water, medical and hygiene supplies, and emergency education. They are also working with local governments to ensure immediate aid for children and families who have been displaced.
  • The International Medical Corps, who have been working with healthcare services in Ukraine since 1999, “stand ready to provide additional medical, mental health and other healthcare-related services in response to any escalation in the scale and scope of the conflict”.
  • The International Committee of the Red Cross is seeking donations to support its work to respond to the Ukraine crisis.
  • The Razom Emergency Response fundraiser was created to provide urgent help and support in face of extreme and unforeseen situations in Ukraine. Right now they are purchasing medical supplies for critical situations like blood loss and other tactical medicine items.
  • United Ukrainian American Relief Committee is gathering funds to provide humanitarian aid to victims of war in Ukraine.
  • International Rescue Committee has launched an emergency appeal to help support displaced Ukrainian families with critical aid.
  • The United Nations High Commission for Refugees is working with the authorities, the United Nations and other partners in Ukraine and is ready to provide humanitarian assistance wherever necessary and possible.
  • Leleka Foundation is a small US-based charitable non-profit organization founded in 2014 that raises charitable funds for implementing various medical and social support projects in Ukraine.